Belobrajdic DP, et al. - Researchers investigated the efficacy of cereal fructans vs oligofructose on reducing adiposity and improving mineral absorption. They randomized 32 male Sprague–Dawley rats to 1 of 4 dietary treatments that contained 0% fructan (control), or 5% fructan provided by oligofructose, a barley grain fraction, or a wheat stem fraction. After 1 week on the diets, they assessed mineral absorption and retention and at 4 weeks, they collected blood samples for gut hormone analysis, removed and weighed adipose depots, and analyzed caecal digesta for pH and short-chain fatty acids. Outcomes suggested that cereal fructans have favorable metabolic effects, which indicate further improvements in energy regulation and mineral status to those reported for oligofructose.