Effects of secretory and osmotic diarrhea on rats intestinal function and morphology

In order to compare intestinal morphology and function, diarrhea was produced in rats using laxatives in the diet. The 14 day study included two groups of rats with diarrhea (osmotic or secretory), two groups without diarrhea but with a degree of malnutrition which was similar to that seen in the rats with diarrhea (malnourished without diarrhea) and a well-nourished group (control). The inclusion of laxatives(lactose or bisoxatin acetate) cause a reduction in food intake, diarrhea an malnutrition. It also caused a reduction in dietary protein and fat digestibility which was proportional to the severity of diarrhea and more pronounced in secretory diarrhea. In the malnourished rats without diarrhea, malnutrition did not affect their absorptive function. Both in the rats with secretory and osmotic diarrhea an intestinal hypertrophy was observed. This hypertrophy was proportional to the severity of diarrhea and independent of its aetiology. In the intestines of the rats with both types of diarrhea there was inflammation, a greater number of mitotic figures but the flattening of the villi seen in the malnourished rats without diarrhea was not seen. In osmotic diarrhea there was, in addition, a patchy damage of the surface of the jejunal mucosa and an increment in the number of goblet cells, indicating a more severe intestinal deterioration. Since despite this greater deterioration, these rats absorbed more protein and fat we concluded that the alterations in intestinal morphology seen in this study was not predictive of intestinal function. The study also showed that diarrhea had a trophic effect on the intestine which did not occur in malnourished rats without diarrhea.     

Effect of diarrhea on nutrient utilization in protein deficient or protein-calorie deficient rats

Diarrhea increases the effects of malnutrition. Accordingly, the effect of diarrhea on two types of malnutrition (protein deficiency and protein-calorie deficiency) was studied. The experiment included 42 young Sprague Dawley rats. The rats were distributed into three groups with 14 rats per group. During the first 16 of the experiment, the first group was fed a control diet ad libitum, the second received the same diet but with food intake reduced in 50% whereas the third group was offered a protein deficient diet. Thus, at the end of this period there were well-fed rats (control), as well as protein and protein-calorie malnourished rats. Then one half of the rats in each group were given lactose to produce diarrhea and all rats continued with their previously assigned diet and feeding regime during one more week. Therefore, during this period there were control rats, protein deficient rats and protein-calorie deficient rats with and without diarrhea. The results showed that diarrhea caused a substantial reduction in food intake and growth in the well-fed rats and also in the group fed the protein deficient diet. However, the protein-calorie deficient group did not reduce its intake nor its growth rate. As a result, diarrhea caused malnutrition in the control group and increased malnutrition in the protein deficient but it did not have an additional effect in the protein-calorie deficient rats. The apparent absorption of lipids and nitrogen measured in these rats showed that the absorption reduction caused by diarrhea was more pronounced in the protein deficient group. This group also had the lowest activities of intestinal disaccharidases. These results showed that diarrhea had a more detrimental effect in protein deficient than in protein-calorie deficient rats.     

Effect of the lactose induced diarrhea on macronutrients availability and immune function in well-nourished and undernourished rats

In this study we compared the availability of nutrients in a balanced diet offered to young well-nourished and undernourished Sprague Dawley rats, with and without diarrhea. Malnutrition was induced by restricting food intake (50%) in one half of the rats for 2 weeks and diarrhea was induced by including 45% lactose in the diet after malnutrition had been established. During the experiment which lasted 8 d the animals were kept on the same feeding protocol but one half of the nourished and one half of the undernourished received lactose to induce diarrhea. The results showed that the inclusion of lactose at 45% in the diet caused a severe diarrhea both in the nourished and undernourished rats. This diarrhea however, resulted in a reduction in food intake and growth only in the well-nourished rats. In the rats with diarrhea the apparent digestibility of the diet and of its macronutrients decreased compared with the animals without diarrhea but this reduction was less apparent in the undernourished rats. Similar results were obtained in relation to the retention of nitrogen and energy. In this case, diarrhea was associated with retentions which were lower than those seen in the rats without diarrhea but the undernourished rats with diarrhea retained more energy than the well-nourished rats with diarrhea. Malnutrition resulted in lower packed cell volume, leukocyte count and thymus weight but diarrhea in the malnourished rats did not cause a further reduction in these variables as it did in the well-nourished animals. In general, these results indicate that in well-nourished rats, diarrhea had a negative effect whereas in the undernourished group it did not. It appears that the undernourished rats compensated their nutrient utilization so that diarrhea did not worsen their undernourished condition.     

Creosote Bush (Larrea tridentata) Resin Increases Water Demands and Reduces Energy Availability in Desert Woodrats (Neotoma lepida)

Although many plant secondary compounds are known to have serious consequences for herbivores, the costs of processing them are generally unknown. Two potential costs of ingestion and detoxification of secondary compounds are elevation of the minimum drinking water requirement and excretion of energetically expensive metabolites (i.e., glucuronides) in the urine. To address these impacts, we studied the costs of ingestion of resin from creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) on desert woodrats (Neotoma lepida). The following hypotheses were tested: ingestion of creosote resin by woodrats (1) increases minimum water requirement and (2) reduces energy available by increasing fecal and urinary energy losses. We tested the first hypothesis, by measuring the minimum water requirement of woodrats fed a control diet with and without creosote resin. Drinking water was given in decreasing amounts until woodrats could no longer maintain constant body mass. In two separate experiments, the minimum drinking water requirement of woodrats fed resin was higher than that of controls by 18-30% (about 1-1.7 ml/d). We tested several potential mechanisms of increased water loss associated with the increase in water requirement. The rate of fecal water loss was higher in woodrats consuming resin. Neither urinary water nor evaporative water loss was affected by ingestion of resin. Hypothesis 2 was tested by measuring energy fluxes of woodrats consuming control vs. resin-treated diets. Woodrats on a resin diet had higher urinary energy losses and, thus, metabolized a lower proportion of the dietary energy than did woodrats on control diet. Fecal energy excretion was not affected by resin. The excretion of glucuronic acid represented almost half of the energy lost as a consequence of resin ingestion. The increased water requirement and energy losses of woodrats consuming a diet with resin could have notable ecological consequences.     

Association of Antihypertensive Effects of Esaxerenone with the Internal Sodium Balance in Dahl Salt-Sensitive Hypertensive Rats

Background: The nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor blocker esaxerenone is effective in reducing blood pressure (BP). Objective: In this study, we investigated esaxerenone-driven sodium homeostasis and its association with changes in BP in Dahl salt-sensitive (DSS) hypertensive rats. Methods: In the different experimental setups, we evaluated BP by a radiotelemetry system, and sodium homeostasis was determined by an approach of sodium intake (food intake) and excretion (urinary excretion) in DSS rats with a low-salt diet (0.3% NaCl), high-salt diet (HSD, 8% NaCl), HSD plus 0.001% esaxerenone (w/w), and HSD plus 0.05% furosemide. Results: HSD-fed DSS rats showed a dramatic increase in BP with a non-dipper pattern, while esaxerenone treatment, but not furosemide, significantly reduced BP with a dipper pattern. The cumulative sodium excretion in the active period was significantly elevated in esaxerenone- and furosemide-treated rats compared with their HSD-fed counterparts. Sodium content in the skin, skinned carcass, and total body tended to be lower in esaxerenone-treated rats than in their HSD-fed counterparts, while these values were unchanged in furosemide-treated rats. Consistently, sodium balance tended to be reduced in esaxerenone-treated rats during the active period. Histological evaluation showed that esaxerenone, but not furosemide, treatment attenuated glomerulosclerosis, tubulointerstitial fibrosis, and urinary protein excretion induced by high salt loading. Conclusions: Collectively, these findings suggest that an esaxerenone treatment-induced reduction in BP and renoprotection are associated with body sodium homeostasis in salt-loaded DSS rats.     

Controlled,double-blind,randomized clinical trial to evaluate the impact of fruit juice consumption on the evolution of infants with acute diarrhea

In order to assess the effects of juice feedings during acute diarrhea a double-blind, randomized study was performed in 90 children, mean age of 10 ± 4.28 months. Thirty patients with acute diarrhea were fed twice-daily 15 ml/kg of Apple Juice (AJ), 30 received White Grape Juice (WGJ), and 30 were given colored and flavored water (WA) as part of their age appropriate dietary intake. The duration and severity of diarrhea were the main endpoint variables of the study performed in a metabolic unit. The patients were similar among the 3 groups, had diarrhea for 50–64 hours prior to admission, and were dehydrated when admitted to the unit for study. Half of the patients in each group were well nourished and the others had mild to moderate degrees of malnutrition. Rotavirus infection was the agent causing the illness in 63% of the patients. The infants fed juice ingested 14–17% more calories than those given WA, (those receiving AJ and WGJ ingested 95 and 98 Calories/Kg/d respectively) whereas those receiving WA consumed 81 cal/kg/d). The increased energy intake was not at the expense of other foods or milk formula. The mean body weight gain was greater among patients receiving WGJ (+ 50.7 gm) as compared with the patients in the AJ group (+ 18.3 gm) or the patients fed WA (- 0.7 gm) (p = 0.08). The duration of the illness was longer in the infants fed juice as compared with those given WA (p = 0.006), the mean +/- SD duration in hours was 49.4 ± 32.6, 47.5 ± 38.9 and 26.5 ± 27.4 in patients fed AJ, WGJ and WA respectively. All patients improved while ingesting juice and none of them developed persistent diarrhea; most recovered within 50 hours of the beginning of treatment and less than one fourth had diarrhea longer than 96 hours in the unit. The fecal losses were also increased among the juice fed patients (p = 0.001); the mean ± SD fecal excretion in g/kg/h was 3.94 ± 2.35, 3.59 ± 2.35, and 2.19 ± 1.63 in AJ, WGJ and WA respectively. The stool output was highest during the first day of treatment among all the patients, though those fed AJ had the highest volume of fecal losses and those who received WA had the lowest stool excretion. After the first day of treatment the differences in fecal excretion were not significant. The ability to tolerate carbohydrates during the illness and immediately after recovery was similar among the 3 groups of patients. Intake of juices with different fructose/glucose ratios and osmolarities resulted in more fecal losses and more prolonged diarrhea as compared with water feedings, but the patients given juice ingested more calories and gained more weight, particularly among those being fed the juice with equimolar concentrations of fructose and glucose.     

Effects of rice bran oil on the intestinal microbiota and metabolism of isoflavones in adult mice

This study examined the effects of rice bran oil (RBO) on mouse intestinal microbiota and urinary isoflavonoids. Dietary RBO affects intestinal cholesterol absorption. Intestinal microbiota seem to play an important role in isoflavone metabolism. We hypothesized that dietary RBO changes the metabolism of isoflavonoids and intestinal microbiota in mice. Male mice were randomly divided into two groups: those fed a 0.05% daidzein with 10% RBO diet (RO group) and those fed a 0.05% daidzein with 10% lard control diet (LO group) for 30 days. Urinary amounts of daidzein and dihydrodaidzein were significantly lower in the RO group than in the LO group. The ratio of equol/daidzein was significantly higher in the RO group (p < 0.01) than in the LO group. The amount of fecal bile acids was significantly greater in the RO group than in the LO group. The composition of cecal microbiota differed between the RO and LO groups. The occupation ratios of Lactobacillales were significantly higher in the RO group (p < 0.05). Significant positive correlation (r = 0.591) was observed between the occupation ratios of Lactobacillales and fecal bile acid content of two dietary groups. This study suggests that dietary rice bran oil has the potential to affect the metabolism of daidzein by altering the metabolic activity of intestinal microbiota.     

Pequi Oil,a MUFA/Carotenoid-Rich Oil,Exhibited Protective Effects against DSS-Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Mice

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) affect the gastrointestinal tract, and the imbalance of intestinal immune homeostasis can trigger them. Pequi oil (PO), a monounsaturated (MUFA) and carotenoid-rich food with nutraceutical potential, could help reshape the intestinal immune response, ameliorating IBD outcomes. This study investigates the effects of a 28 days intake of PO on elements of the intestinal immune response of mice with DSS-induced ulcerative colitis (disease activity index, colonic damage, inflammatory cells and markers). PO reduces body weight, colonic crypt and goblet cell losses and ameliorates diarrhea. In the colon, it increases γδT cells and secretory-IgA and decreases CD8+T cells. In lymphoid organs, it reduces CD8+T cells. Moreover, it also reduces the IL-17 and CRP in plasma. PO oil promotes a less cytotoxic response that may protect mice from immunological injuries caused by an IBD in the intestinal mucosa, improving the disease prognosis. Practical applications: This study demonstrates that the intake of pequi oil contributes to the regulation of immune response and improves clinical and histological signs of DSS-induced ulcerative colitis in mice. Its effects in cytotoxic cell reduction and other inflammatory markers and stimulation of regulatory cells, and preservation of mucus-producing cells, provide news insights about the importance of the regular intake of this food to better prognosis of ulcerative colitis acute episodes. In addition, these findings encourage further studies with foods with a protective potential for the intestinal mucosa.     

Influences of Plant Toxins and Their Spatial Distribution on Foraging by the Common Brushtail Possum, a Generalist Mammalian Herbivore

Generalist herbivores forage on a variety of plant species, allowing them to gain nutrients while limiting ingestion of harmful toxins. As the capacity to mix diets appears important for maximizing intake, the spatial scale in heterogeneity of food resources should influence the foraging behavior of herbivores. Our aim was to identify how the feeding strategy of a generalist mammalian herbivore, the common brushtail possum, responds to foods within a spatially defined environment. We evaluated foraging responses against increasing spatial separation between pairs of artificial diets that differed in flavor and toxin profile, to determine how distance and diet affect intake and behavior. Foraging responses were influenced by the type of diet or the degree of spatial separation between foods but not by their interaction. Diet influenced intake, time spent feeding, and feeding rate, but had no effect on nightly foraging interval, number of feeding bouts, or bout length. The number of switches between paired food resources and foraging efficiency (intake per unit distance, which accounts for the energetic costs of travelling), were influenced only by distance. Titrating foraging against a range of distances demonstrated how quickly foraging efficiency can decline in response to the spatial separation of food resources, highlighting the importance of spatial heterogeneity of plants within the home range of an herbivore.     

Xylitol Affects the Intestinal Microbiota and Metabolism of Daidzein in Adult Male Mice

This study examined the effects of xylitol on mouse intestinal microbiota and urinary isoflavonoids. Xylitol is classified as a sugar alcohol and used as a food additive. The intestinal microbiota seems to play an important role in isoflavone metabolism. Xylitol feeding appears to affect the gut microbiota. We hypothesized that dietary xylitol changes intestinal microbiota and, therefore, the metabolism of isoflavonoids in mice. Male mice were randomly divided into two groups: those fed a 0.05% daidzein with 5% xylitol diet (XD group) and those fed a 0.05% daidzein-containing control diet (CD group) for 28 days. Plasma total cholesterol concentrations were significantly lower in the XD group than in the CD group (p < 0.05). Urinary amounts of equol were significantly higher in the XD group than in the CD group (p < 0.05). The fecal lipid contents (% dry weight) were significantly greater in the XD group than in the CD group (p < 0.01). The cecal microbiota differed between the two dietary groups. The occupation ratios of Bacteroides were significantly greater in the CD than in the XD group (p < 0.05). This study suggests that xylitol has the potential to affect the metabolism of daidzein by altering the metabolic activity of the intestinal microbiota and/or gut environment. Given that equol affects bone health, dietary xylitol plus isoflavonoids may exert a favorable effect on bone health.     

Effects of New Dietary Fiber from Japanese Apricot (Prunus mume Sieb. et Zucc.) on Gut Function and Intestinal Microflora in Adult Mice

Much attention has been focused recently on functional foods. Ume, the Japanese name for the apricot of Prunus mume Sieb. et Zucc., is an example of a Japanese traditional functional food. There are, however, few reports on the effects of fiber from this fruit on bowel function. With this objective, we prepared ume fiber to test the hypothesis that it can change gut function and intestinal flora in mice. Mice were fed an ume fiber (UF) or cellulose (CF) diet (control) for 40 days. The fecal weight, fecal lipids, plasma lipids and cecal composition of the microflora were analyzed. The amount of feces was significantly greater in the UF group than in the CF group (p < 0.01). The fecal lipids content (% DW) of the feces sampled on the final day of the experiment were significantly greater in the UF group than in the CF group (p < 0.01). Plasma non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) concentrations tended to be lower in the UF compared to the CF group (p = 0.058). Occupation ratios of Bacteroides and Clostridium cluster IV were significantly greater in the cecal flora of the UF group. Our results suggest that ume fiber possesses the fecal lipid excretion effects and feces bulking effects.     

Unhealthy Diets Induce Distinct and Regional Effects on Intestinal Inflammatory Signalling Pathways and Long-Lasting Metabolic Dysfunction in Rats

The intestinal epithelium is a principal site for environmental agents’ detection. Several inflammation- and stress-related signalling pathways have been identified as key players in these processes. However, it is still unclear how the chronic intake of inadequate nutrients triggers inflammatory signalling pathways in different intestinal regions. We aimed to evaluate the impact of unhealthy dietary patterns, starting at a younger age, and the association with metabolic dysfunction, intestinal inflammatory response, and obesity in adulthood. A rat model was used to evaluate the effects of the consumption of sugary beverages (HSD) and a Western diet (WD), composed of ultra-processed foods. Both diets showed a positive correlation with adiposity index, but a positive correlation was found between the HSD diet and the levels of blood glucose and triglycerides, whereas the WD diet correlated positively with triglyceride levels. Moreover, a distinct inflammatory response was associated with either the WD or HSD diets. The WD induced an increase in TLR2, TLR4, and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) intestinal gene expression, with higher levels in the colon and overexpression of the inducible nitric oxide synthase. In turn, the HSD diet induced activation of the TLR2-mediated NF-κB signalling pathway in the small intestine. Altogether, these findings support the concept that early intake of unhealthy foods and nutrients are a main exogenous signal for disturbances of intestinal immune mechanisms and in a region-specific manner, ultimately leading to obesity-related disorders in later life.     

Nutrition in the sport practice: adaptation of the food guide pyramid to the characteristics of athletes diet

In spite of all the advances in sport nutrition and the importance of an adequate food intake in order to improve sport performance, both recreational and professional athletes forget frequently to include planning an optimum diet and fluid intake in their global strategy for performance. Physiological and metabolic adaptations produced as a consequence of physical exercise lead to the necessity of increasing caloric (in accordance to energy output) and protein (based on the trophic needs of the organism) intake. Likewise, paying major attention to vitamin and mineral intake, specifically B vitamins and zinc and chromium, is required, in order to optimize carbohydrate metabolism, the ultimate limiting factor for sport performance. During the training phase, 60% of calories should come from carbohydrates, protein intake should be 1.2-2 g/kg/day and athletes should follow the recommendations of the food guide pyramid. During the pre-, per- and post-competition phase the healthy aspect of the diet passes to a second level, in order to obtain good sport performance and to guarantee a fast and effective recovery. Again, carbohydrates with a high or medium glycaemic index and water are the nutrients which have to be calculated more thoroughly. In conclusion, athletes have to follow a diet that is adequate to their higher energy output and to their higher metabolic turnover. The food guide pyramid is a graphic expression which facilitates the comprehension and following of a healthy diet. In the present article, the authors introduce the pyramid adapted to the characteristics of sports nutrition, with easy-to-follow practical recommendations regarding the kind and amounts of foodstuffs that should be consumed in order to cover nutrient needs of people who exercise regularly.     

Perceived protein needs and measured protein intake in collegiate male athletes: an observational study

Background

High protein diet has been known to cause metabolic acidosis, which is manifested by increased urinary excretion of nitrogen and calcium. Bodybuilders habitually consumed excessive dietary protein over the amounts recommended for them to promote muscle mass accretion. This study investigated the metabolic response to high protein consumption in the elite bodybuilders.

Methods

Eight elite Korean bodybuilders within the age from 18 to 25, mean age 21.5 ± 2.6. For data collection, anthropometry, blood and urinary analysis, and dietary assessment were conducted.

Results

They consumed large amounts of protein (4.3 ± 1.2 g/kg BW/day) and calories (5,621.7 ± 1,354.7 kcal/day), as well as more than the recommended amounts of vitamins and minerals, including potassium and calcium. Serum creatinine (1.3 ± 0.1 mg/dl) and potassium (5.9 ± 0.8 mmol/L), and urinary urea nitrogen (24.7 ± 9.5 mg/dl) and creatinine (2.3 ± 0.7 mg/dl) were observed to be higher than the normal reference ranges. Urinary calcium (0.3 ± 0.1 mg/dl), and phosphorus (1.3 ± 0.4 mg/dl) were on the border of upper limit of the reference range and the urine pH was in normal range.

Conclusions

Increased urinary excretion of urea nitrogen and creatinine might be due to the high rates of protein metabolism that follow high protein intake and muscle turnover. The obvious evidence of metabolic acidosis in response to high protein diet in the subjects with high potassium intake and intensive resistance exercise were not shown in this study results. However, this study implied that resistance exercise with adequate mineral supplementation, such as potassium and calcium, could reduce or offset the negative effects of protein-generated metabolic changes. This study provides preliminary information of metabolic response to high protein intake in bodybuilders who engaged in high-intensity resistance exercise. Further studies will be needed to determine the effects of the intensity of exercise and the level of mineral intakes, especially potassium and calcium, which have a role to maintain acid-base homeostasis, on protein metabolism in large population of bodybuilders.     

Effects of two plant secondary metabolites,cineole and gallic acid,on nightly feeding patterns of the common brushtail possum

We investigated effects of two plant secondary metabolites (PSMs), cineole and gallic acid, on the nightly feeding behavior of the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula), a generalist folivore. We tested whether possums altered their feeding behavior in response to increasing levels of cineole, a dietary terpene. Possums were fed artificial diets containing three levels of cineole; zero (basal diet), medium (6.8% of total dry matter, DM), and high (15.3% DM). In another experiment, we introduced gallic acid, a dietary phenolic, into the diets. Possums were offered a Choice PSM diet (cineole and gallic acid diets simultaneously) or a No-Choice PSM diet (containing either cineole or gallic acid). Detoxification products of cineole and gallic acid were examined in urine to determine that different detoxification pathways were utilized in the elimination of each compound. With increasing cineole levels, possums ate less, had smaller feeding bouts, and had a lower rate of intake, but did not extend their total nightly feeding time. Possums offered the Choice PSM diet, compared with the No-Choice diets, ate more, had larger feeding bouts, and tended to increase their rate of intake. Results from the urinary analysis indicated that gallic acid and cineole were not involved in competing detoxification pathways in brushtail possums. There was also a significant sex effect: females ate more overall, ate more per feeding bout, and ate at a higher rate than males. These results indicate that PSMs not only constrain overall intake, but that possums alter their feeding behavior in response to them. Altered feeding patterns may reduce the negative influence of PSMs on intake.     

Effects of Acacia condensed tannins on urinary parameters,body mass,and diet choice of an Acacia specialist rodent,Thallomys nigricauda

The aim of this study was to investigate the dietary and physiological effects of condensed tannin ingestion on foregut fermenters, using Thallomys nigricauda, a folivorous rodent, as a model. We initially investigated the variability in physiological parameters, such as daily body mass (DM_b), daily feed intake, daily fecal energy loss (FE), daily energy intake (DEI), daily urine pH, and daily urinary ammonia and urea concentrations, in response to different diets with low condensed tannin levels. This experiment was conducted to identify which physiological variables showed the least variation in the absence of tannin. In a second experiment, we investigated the response of the same dietary and physiological parameters to the effects of high dietary condensed tannin ingestion in T. nigricauda. We hypothesized that DM_b, daily feed intake, FE, and DEI of T. nigricauda would be adversely affected by high dietary tannin content. We predicted that detoxification activity by T. nigricauda would increase at higher tannin levels. Ingestion of tannins affected the nutritional status of T. nigricauda, as shown by a decrease in body mass at high tannin levels. We also found that fewer ammonium ions were excreted in the urine by T. nigricauda, as would be expected if this were a means of regulating metabolic acidosis. The urine produced was more alkaline. This result indicates that T. nigricauda is not metabolizing these allelochemicals. Urea production was initially reduced, indicating conservation of bicarbonate ions that will neutralize blood acidity if there is detoxification. A diet choice experiment showed that tree rats avoid high tannin diets, even to the extent that they lose body mass on an alternative diet. This last-mentioned result is noteworthy because previous studies of the effects of tannins on herbivorous mammals have shown that there is physiological control rather than behavioral avoidance of the negative effects of tannin ingestion.     

The dietary score as a simplified methodology in processing and analyzing food consumption data

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the dietary score as a valid and rapid alternative procedure for the processing and analysis of food consumption data in Guatemala. The dietary score consists in assigning points to a diet based upon the number of servings the diet provides of each one of the eight groups in which food has been classified. The size of the serving for each food receiving points was estimated based on available data describing the food pattern of Guatemala. The caloric contribution of each of the eight groups to the total caloric intake was also calculated, and information on the caloric and nutrient needs of the Guatemalan population is discussed. In this communication, the dietary score was compared to the percentage of adequacy for energy and nutrients in 392 diets of women, and children between the ages of 24 and 60 months. Half of the dietaries were collected using the 24-hour recall method, while in the other half, the direct weighing method was used. Nutritional adequacy was estimated from food composition tables and based on the recommended energy and nutrient intake figures. In addition, by utilizing the adequacy indices for energy and nutrients, a binary variable was developed to describe the overall adequacy of the diet. This variable describes the probability a diet has of being adequate, given the dietary score obtained. In conclusion, the dietary score was found to be a valid, rapid and efficient alternative for the processing and evaluation of food consumption information, collected by means of either the direct weighing of foods or the 24-hour recall methods.     

FORAGING IN CHEMICALLY DIVERSE ENVIRONMENTS: ENERGY,PROTEIN, AND ALTERNATIVE FOODS INFLUENCE INGESTION OF PLANT SECONDARY METABOLITES BY LAMBS

Interactions among nutrients and plant secondary metabolites (PSM) may influence how herbivores mix their diets and use food resources. We determined intake of a food containing a mix of terpenoids identified in sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) when present in isoenergetic diets of increasing concentrations of protein (6, 9, 15, or 21% CP) or in isonitrogenous diets of increasing concentrations of energy (2.17, 2.55, 3.30, or 3.53 Mcal/kg). Lambs were offered choices between those diets with or without terpenes or between diets with terpenes and alfalfa hay. Intake of the diets with terpenes was lowest with the lowest concentrations of protein (6%) and energy (2.17 Mcal/kg) in the diets, and highest with diets of 15% CP and 3.53~Mcal/kg. In contrast, when terpenes were absent from the diets, lambs consumed similar amounts of all four diets with different concentrations of protein, and more of the diets with intermediate amounts of energy. When given a choice between the diet with or without terpenes, lambs preferred the diet without terpenes. When lambs were offered choices between terpene-containing diets and alfalfa, energy and protein concentrations influenced the amount of terpenes animals ingested. Energy densities higher than alfalfa, and protein concentrations higher than 6%, increased intake of the terpene-containing diet. Thus, the nutritional environment interacted with terpenes to influence preference such that lambs offered diets of higher energy or protein concentration ate more terpenes when forced, but not when offered alternative food without terpenes. The nutrients supplied by a plant and its neighbors likely influence how much PSM an animal can ingest, which in turn may affect the dynamics of plant communities, and the distribution of herbivores in a landscape. We discuss implications of these findings for traditional views of grazing refuges and varied diets in herbivores.     

Modulating influence of dietary lipid intake on the prostaglandin system in adult men

We evaluated the effect of moderate dietary changes on the prostaglandin system by measuring the urinary excretion of 7α-hydroxy-5,11-dioxo-tetranorprostane-1,16-dioic acid (PGE-M). In a crossover design, twenty-four free-living male subjects in good health (24 to 54 years of age) were fed two diets: (i) Regular (R) diet, 41% energy (en%) from fat, P/S 0.59, M/S 0.96; (ii) Experimental (E) diet, 19 en% from fat, P/S 1.31, M/S 1.48. Diet R contained 13.9 g/day of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and about 600 mg/day of cholesterol per 3200 kcal; Diet E contained 35.5 g/day NDF and about 280 mg/day cholesterol. Each controlled-diet period lasted ten weeks. The menu cycle was 7 days, and all diets were calculated to provide adequate amounts of essential nutrients. The PGE-M excretion rates were determined in 24-hr urine by stable-isotope dilution gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in the selected ion-monitoring mode. Low-fat Diet E, with an intake of 6.6 en% from polyunsaturates, was associated with an average 14.2% reduction in PGE-M daily output, compared to high-fat Diet R with a 9.3 en% from polyunsaturates (P=0.046). These results support the view that dietary lipid changes can significantly alter thein vivo production of E-series prostaglandins. We cannot conclude, however, if this apparent diet effect was brought about by the change in linoleate intake alone or was the result of complex biochemical interactions among individual fatty acids, both saturated and unsaturated.     

Evaluation of energy and dietary intake estimates from a food frequency questionnaire using independent energy expenditure measurement and weighed food records

Background  

We have developed a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) for the assessment of habitual diet, with special focus on the intake of fruit, vegetables and other antioxidant-rich foods and beverages. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relative validity of the intakes of energy, food and nutrients from the FFQ.