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A new study conducted by Florida International University researchers has found that girls who took a prebiotic fiber supplement for a year built more bone mass compared to those who took a placebo. The clinical trial, led by nutrition researcher Cristina Palacios, involved over 12 months of supplementation with soluble corn fiber, which increased bone mineral content by 18.8% in girls, compared to a 12.9% increase in the placebo group.

This significant 6 percentage point difference could potentially prevent osteoporotic fractures in women later in life. The study highlights the importance of early bone development, as most of a person's bone mass is built during childhood and adolescence. Current guidelines recommend adolescents consume 1,300 milligrams of calcium daily, but many girls and boys fall short.

The fiber supplement works by feeding beneficial gut bacteria, which in turn helps more calcium get absorbed through the intestinal walls. While the study showed promising results, further research is needed to confirm the sex-specific effects, as the trial did not specifically design to assess differences between boys and girls.