Background. Fructans and chromium(III) are believed to influence lipid and carbohydrate metabolism in animal and human organisms, that can be applied in regulation or improvement of lipid indices, however the importance of their effect is still unclear. This study aimed at evaluation of the effect of inulin-type fructans and chromium(III) supplementation on fat digestibility and blood lipid indices in rats.

Material and methods. In a three-factorial design 56 male Wistar rats were fed ad libitum semipurified diets (AIN-93) supplemented with two types and levels of fructans (inulin or oligofructose, 5% or 10% of diet) and two levels of chromium(III) (0.5 or 5 mg/kg of diet; as Cr(III) propionate complex) for 10 weeks. Apparent fat digestibility and blood lipid profile were determined.

Results. It was found that experimental factors did not influence apparent fat digestibility, serum total cholesterol, HDL and HDL cholesterol concentrations, however serum TAG level was significantly lower in animals fed oligofructose vs. inulin diets, high-fructan
vs. low-fructan diet.

Conclusions. Inulin type fructans and supplementary Cr(III) do not affect apparent fat digestibility, fructans however influence lipid metabolism, lowering serum TAG levels
in rat.