1. Iron retention in adult male rats given 3 g dried ground peas, immature and mature (Pisum sarivum cv Dark-skin perfection) and leafless (Pisum sativum cv Filby), extrinsically labelled with 0.25 μCi 58Fe, was measured by whole-body counting. The Fe was less well absorbed (P < 0.01) from the mature peas (0.251 (SE 0.021)) than from the immature (0.384 (SE 0, 032)) or leafless peas (0.344 (SE 0.026)).

2. The availability of Fe from the leafless peas was compared with that of defatted soya-bean flour by the same technique. Significantly more Fe (P < 0.005) was retained from the pea flour (0.471 (SE 0.013)) than from the soya-bean flour (0.377 (SE 0.022)).

3. The effect of adding pea testa to bread (97.6 g/kg dry weight), as in the production of high-fibre white bread, on Fe availability was measured and compared with the availability of ferrous sulphate in young and adult male rats. There were no significant differences between the high-fibre and low-fibre breads in either age-group, although the older rats absorbed less Fe from all three sources. Retention from high-fibre bread, low-fibre bread and FeSO4 was as follows (mean with SE): young rats 0.452 (0.037), 0.475 (0.040) 0.541 (0.032); mature rats 0.363 (0.034), 0.366 (0.030), 0.471 (0.028).

4. It was concluded that the addition of pea testa to white bread does not have a detrimental effect on Fe availability. Immature and leafless peas appear to be a better source of available Fe than soya-bean flour, despite similar fibre levels, but with maturity the Fe in peas is rendered less available.

1. Plasma and urinary selenium were determined among vegans, lactovegetarians and several groups of omnivorous subjects, using gas-liquid chromatography.

2. Plasma Se was lower among lactovegetarians (0.80 (SD 0.18) μmol/l) than in the other groups (0.98 (SD 0.15) μmol/l). This was not related to Se intake, since the vegans had a lower and the lactovegetarians a higher intake of Se than omnivorous subjects in Sweden.

3. Urinary Se was 0.36 (SD 0.10)μmol/d for controls, 0.17 (SD 0.10) μmol/d for vegans and 0.16 (SD 0.07)μmol/d for lactovegetarians. No relation between dietary Se and urinary Se was observed. Among vegetarians, plasma Se and urinary Se were correlated (r 0.51; P < 0.05).

1. The effects of dietary supplementation on milk output and maternal body composition were investigated in the lactating rat. The supplement was a cooked homogeneous mixture of eggs and maize oil, and had the same protein-energy: total energy value as the control diet.

2. During 2–12 d post partum rats were fed ad lib., either on the control diet alone or on the control diet plus the supplement. Measurements were made of milk output using an isotope-dilution technique, milk composition, and dam and litter body-composition changes.

3. Compared with the dams receiving only the control diet, dams provided with the supplement consumed 19.7% more energy and protein and produced 31.2% more milk and mobilized less body fat.

4. By 12 d of age, pups in litters of dams receiving the supplement were significantly heavier than those in litters of dams receiving the control diet only, and they contained more protein and more fat.

5. It is concluded that dietary supplementation of lactating rats can enhance lactational performance.

1. The hypocholesterolaemic effects of pectins were studied in a series of five experiments in weanling Sprague-Dawley rats.

2. Expt A examined the effects of differing levels of dietary fat on plasma and liver lipids. Rats were given diets containing 100 g pectin, National Formulary (NF)/kg, and either 50,100, 150 or 200 g oil/kg. All diets contained 10 g cholesterol/kg. Plasma cholesterol levels were lower in all pectin-fed groups compared with rats given the control diet containing 100 g Solkafloc and 100 g oil/kg. Liver lipid and cholesterol levels increased with increasing fat content of the diet, reaching a plateau at 150 g fat/kg diet, but were still significantly lower in all pectin-fed groups compared with the control group.

3. Expt B. The effects of molecular weight and degree of methoxylation of pectins were studied in five groups of rats given either a control diet containing 100 g Solkafloc/kg or high molecular weight, high methoxyl pectin (HMW HMP); high molecular weight, low methoxyl pectin (HMW LMP); low molecular weight, high methoxyl pectin (LMW HMP); low molecular weight, low methoxyl pectin (LMW LMP). All diets in this and subsequent experiments contained 100 g fat and 10 g cholesterol/kg. Plasma cholesterol levels were significantly lower than control values only in the HMW HMP group. Compared with controls, animals given HMW pectins had lower levels of liver lipid and liver cholesterol; on the LMW HMP diet the liver cholesterol, but not the liver lipid, was lower.

4. Expt C. An attempt was made to clarify the possible effect of degree of methoxylation by feeding diets containing either 100 g Solkafloc/kg,100 g pectin NF/kg or 100 g very high methoxyl pectin/kg.Plasma cholesterol levels were significantly reduced by both pectins but there was no difference in effect between the two. Both had similar viscosities suggesting that this is a more important factor than methoxyl content.

5. Expts D and E. Effects of dose on hypocholesterolaemic effects of HMP and LMP were studied. Diets containing 50 or 100 g Solkafloc, HMP or LMP/kg were given in Expt D, and 25 g Solkafloc or HMP/kg, 50 g Solkafloc, HMP or LMP/kg and 100 g Solkafloc or LMP/kg in Expt E. Plasma cholesterol levels were significantly reduced in groups given 50 or 100 g HMP/kg and in groups given 100 g LMP/kg.

6.HMP were found to be more effective at lowering plasma cholesterol levels than LMP. LMW pectins were not effective. This suggests that the hypocholesterolaemic effects are at least partly due to viscosity.

7. Gut length and weight was increased in pectin-fed animals compared with controls despite their lower body-weight. The weight of small intestinal contents at death was also greater in pectin-fed rats (Expts A and B), particularly in the distal small intestine.

1. In rat studies, circulating concentrations of N-acetylneuraminic acid (NANA) have been shown to be an indicator of NANA concentrations in the brain and functional brain activity, in relation to nutritional state and stimulation. Abnormal behaviour can be improved with exogenous NANA. In the present study, the plasma NANA concentration has been measured in children with severe malnutrition and compared with that in controls.

2. NANA was measured colorimetrically in the plasma of twenty-three severely malnourished children (mean age 11.43 (SD 6.05) months) before and after recovery, and in thirty-four controls (mean age 14.28 (SD 7.32) months). In thirteen of the malnourished children, NANA was measured after infections had been treated with a course of antibiotics.

3. Mean plasma NANA concentration was significantly higher in protein-energy malnutrition (PEM)(2.89 (SD 0,58)μmol/ml; n 23) compared with controls (2.13(SD 0.37)μmol/ml; n 34, P < 0.001). The levels remained high in PEM after infections had been treated (2.87(SD 0.43) μmol/ml, n 13) but returned to control levels at recovery from PEM (2.14(SD 0.24)μmol/ml).

4. In contrast to the findings in rats, in malnourished children plasma NANA concentrations were not reduced and did not relate directly to nutritional state or, by inference, brain function. These findings do not provide any support for the use of exogenous NANA supplements to improve brain function in humans.

1. The volume of adipocytes in two intra-orbital sites and fourteen superficial and intra-abdominal sites, and the total adipocyte complement have been measured in virgin and reproductive guinea-pigs maintained on several different regimens of diet and exercise.

2. The adipocytes around the ocular muscles at the back of the orbit (peripheral fat) are always larger than those just behind the eyeball (orbital fat).

3. The adipocytes in both the intra-orbital sites are significantly larger in guinea-pigs whose total adipocyte complement is smaller than one standard deviation from the mean, than in those which have a normal-size or large adipocyte complement.

4. The volume of intra-orbital adipocytes correlates very significantly with the volume of adipocytes in superficial and intra-abdominal sites in guinea-pigs which have large adipocyte complements, correlates weakly in those with normal adipocyte complements and not at all in those with small adipocyte complements.

5. It is suggested that there may be fewer intra-orbital adipocytes in animals which have small adipocyte complements, and that, because the intra-orbital adipose tissue occupies a constant volume, the adipocytes in these sites become larger when they are less numerous.

1. The water-holding capacities (WHC) of four sources of fibre were measured using dialysis membranes and osmotic-suction pressures of 45, 89 and 178 mosmol/l (1, 2 and 4 atm). At all pressures, pectin had the highest WHC, followed by cabbage (Brussicu oleruceu) and lucerne (Medicago sativu) and then cellulose. A suction pressure of 89 mosmol/l (2 atm) was used in the subsequent fermentation study since it had the lowest standard error of the mean and most closely approximated physiological conditions.

2. The four fibres were anaerobically fermented in vitro with human faecal inoculum for 24 h. The WHC of the fermentation residues were measured. The potential water-holding capacity (PWHC), a function of the extent of fermentability and the WHC of the fermentation residues, was highest for lucerne, followed by cellulose, then cabbage and, finally, pectin. Only the PWHC values ranked the four fibres in the same order as in vivo values.

3. It was concluded that the ethanol-insoluble residues containing unfermented fibre organic matter and microbial organic matter, both of which hold water, should be used to calculate PWHC and to predict the effect of fibre on rate of passage and faecal mass in humans.

1. The effects of a 100 g/kg substitution of guar gum on the body-weight gain, food consumption and faecal dry weight of mice fed on a high-sucrose diet and on the activities of hepatic glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (EC 1. 1. 1. 49), 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (EC 1. I. 1. 44), malate dehydrogenase (oxaloacetate- decarboxylating) (NADP+) (EC I. 1. 1. 40), ATP-citrate (pro-3S)-lyase (EC 4. I.3.8), 6-phosphofructokinase (EC 2.7. 1. 11), pyruvate kinase (EC 2. 7. 1. 40)and fructose-1, Qbisphosphatase (EC 3. 1. 3. 11) were studied.

2. Guar gum had no effect on body-weight gain or food consumption but increased faecal dry weight.

3. Guar gum increasedtheactivitiesofglucose-6-phosphatedehydrogenase, malatedehydrogenase(oxaloacetate- decarboxylating) (NADP+) and 6-phosphofructokinase expressed on a wet-liver-weight basis.

4. Guar gum increased the activities of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase (oxaloacetate- decarboxylating)(NADP+), ATP-citrate (pro-3S)-lyase and 6-phosphofructokinase expressed on a liver-protein basis.

5. Guar gum increased the activities of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and malate dehydrogenase (oxaloacetate-decarboxylating)(NADP+) expressed on a body-weight basis.

6. These results suggest that guar gum increases the flux through some pathways of hepatic lipogenesis when mice are fed on high-sucrose diets.

1. Zinc, copper, iron, protein and energy intakes of 232 lactating women (consuming self-selected diets during the first 3 months post-partum) were computed from food intake values obtained using a 3 d dietary-recall method. Non-pregnant, non-lactating women (100) served as controls. Blood samples of subjects were also analysed for packed cell volume and haemoglobin concentrations as well as for plasma Zn, Cu and Fe levels by atomic absorption spectrophotometry.

2. Except for Fe, intakes of all nutrients measured were significantly lower than recommended dietary allowances for lactation. Daily mean (and SD) Zn, Cu, Fe (mg), protein (g) and energy (MJ) intakes for lactating women were 8.2 (1.6), 1.6 (0.5),29.0 (5.8), 52.4 (9.2) and 10.21 respectively. There was a significant intercorrelation between the different nutrients in the diet.

3. Mean (and SD) plasma Zn, Cu and Fe concentrations (μg/l) during the first 3 months of lactation were 666.0 (76.0), 1290.0 (150.0) and 730.0 (185) respectively. These values were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in the case of Zn and Fe and higher in the case of Cu than those of non-pregnant, non-lactating women. Maternal plasma levels of the trace elements also vaned significantly with nutritional status as indexed by haemoglobin status.

4. Correlation analysis between dietary and plasma trace element concentrations was significant for Zn (r 0.26, P < 0.00Ol) and Fe (r 0.17, P <0.05). Dietary protein intake was significantly correlated with plasma Zn (r 0.18, P < 0.005) and Fe (r 0.12, P < 0.05).

5. While maternal weight, arm circumference and skinfold thickness measurements tended to decrease with increase in the period of lactation, growth performance of entirely breast-fed babies was satisfactory as at the 12th week post-partum.

1. High-fat-high-cholesterol diets containing casein or a Vicia faba bean (faba bean) protein concentrate as the protein source were given to rats for 5 weeks. When the faba bean protein concentrate or its ethanol extract was present in the diet, a marked decrease was found in the level of circulating cholesterol associated with the lower-density lipoproteins (very-low-, intermediate- and low-density lipoproteins) compared with the level found on the diets containing casein or the faba bean protein concentrate deprived of ethanol-soluble factors.

2. Alterations in apoprotein pattern were detected after the different dietary treatments. In particular, apoA-I appeared in an unusual form with electrophoretic mobility faster than normal in all lipoprotein fractions after feeding the diets that did not lower plasma cholesterol. When the diets contained the faba bean protein concentrate or its ethanol extract, the apoA-I disappeared from the lower-density lipoproteins but its normal form and the unusual one were apparent in the high-density lipoproteins.

3. A moderate increase in faecal excretion of acidic steroids was found after feeding the diets containing the ethanol-soluble factors, irrespective of the protein source.

4. The results are discussed in relation to the presence of saponin and polyunsaturated lecithin in the ethanol extract of the faba bean protein concentrate.

1. Genetically obese mice (ob/ob) and their lean litter-mates were given diets iso-energetically supplemented with sucrose, hydrogenated coconut oil, safflower oil or evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) oil.

2. Weight gain over 15 weeks was significantly greater in the evening primrose oil-supplemented obese mice than in the other groups.

3. In all the groups of obese mice, liver total phospholipids contained proportionally less linoleic acid and more dihomo-γ-linolenic acid and arachidonic acid than did the lean controls.

4. As a percentage of total fatty acids, n-3 essential fatty acids (EFA) in liver and adipose tissue lipids were significantly lower in the obese mice than in the lean controls.

5. Supplementation with EFA-rich oils (safflower and evening primrose oil) increased the proportional composition of n-6 EFA and decreased the n-3 EFA more in the liver total phospholipids of the lean than the obese mice.

1. The effect of lysine- and threonine-supplemented wheat gluten on cholesterol metabolism was studied using male weanling rats. Animals were fed on cholesterol-free diets containing 100 or 200 g gluten/kg with or without amino acid supplementation, and compared with animals given 50, 100 and 200 g casein/kg diets, for 3 weeks.

2. A hypocholesterolaemic effect observed with the wheat gluten-fed rats, compared with the animals given 100 and 200 g casein/kg diets, was accompanied by increased turnover of cholesterol as expressed by enhanced cholesterol biosynthesis and increased faecal excretion of cholesterol and bile acids. This effect was not abolished by lysine and threonine supplementation.

3. Low levels of blood cholesterol were also observed in the rats fed on the 50 g casein/kg diet. However, a different mechanism, related to impairment of cholesterol transport from the liver, was most likely responsible for the hypocholesterolaemia found in these protein-malnourished animals.

4. The effect on cholesterol metabolism produced by dietary wheat gluten was independent of the low quality of the protein and of its specific deficiency in lysine and threonine.

1. Newborn rabbits were overfed by encouraging them to suck from two lactating does. These double-fed rabbits were compared with single-fed litter-mate controls.

2. A standard set of fore- and hind-foot radiographs was obtained by taking daily radiographs from a normal litter and selecting the most representative film to act as a standard for that day.

3. Bone age was assessed in single- and double-fed rabbits at ages 7, 14, and 21 d by comparing radiographs taken at these ages with the standard films.

4. Double-feeding was associated with an increase in body-weight and an increase in bone age, although the former was increased to a much greater extent than the latter. The advance in bone age was proportional to an increase in bone length.

5. There is little information available on overnutrition and skeletal maturation in man, but what information is available suggests that height and skeletal maturation are increased in parallel. The present study with rabbits supports the concept that overnutrition increases growth rate but does not disturb the relation hetween bone growth and bone age.

6. Bone age can be assessed very sensitively in rabbits using the previously-described technique. It would therefore be a valuable technique for studying the endocrinology of skeletal maturation.

1. The effects of meal consumption on plasma leucine and alanine kinetics were studied using a simultaneous, primed, continuous infusion of L-[I-13C]leucine and L-[3,3,3-2H3]alanine in four healthy, young, adult male subjects. The study included an evaluation of the effect of sampling site on plasma amino acid kinetics, with blood being drawn simultaneously from an antecubital and dorsal heated hand vein.

2. In comparison with the postabsorptive state, the ingestion of small hourly meals resulted in a 35% increase in plasma leucine flux and a 77% increase in leucine oxidation. Calculated entry of leucine into the plasma compartment from endogenous sources decreased by 65%. Plasma alanine flux more than doubled, indicating a significant enhancement in de now alanine synthesis. 13C enrichment of leucine in venous and arterialized plasma did not differ significantly, but alanine flux calculated from isotopic measurement in venous plasma was substantially greater than that based on analysis of arterialized blood plasma.

1. Genetically diabetic mice (db/db)and their non-diabetic litter-mates were maintained for 15 weeks on diets supplemented with safflower oil or evening primrose (Oenothera bienis) oil, both essential fatty acid (EFA)-rich sources, or hydrogenated coconut oil (devoid of EFA).

2. Plasma glucose was higher in the diabetic mice supplemented with the oils than in the unsupplemented diabetic mice. In the oil-supplemented non-diabetic mice, plasma glucose did not differ compared with the unsupplemented non-diabetic mice.

3. The proportional content of arachidonic acid in the phospholipids of the pancreas was significantly decreased in diabetic mice, an effect which was completely prevented by supplementation with safflower or evening primrose oil but not hydrogenated coconut oil.

4. In the liver phospholipids of the diabetic mice, dihomo-γ-linolenic acid was proportionally increased, an effect reduced by supplementation with safflower oil but not evening primrose or hydrogenated coconut oils.

5. In the liver triglycerides of the diabetic mice, γ-linolenic acid, dihomo-γ-linolenic acid and arachidonic acid were all proportionally decreased, effects which were also prevented by safflower or evening primrose oil but not hydrogenated coconut oil.

6. Alopecia and dry scaly skin were prominent in the diabetic mice but less extensive in the diabetic mice supplemented with EFA.

1. Unfractionated gliadin and its α-, β-, γ- and ω-gliadin subfractions were used as rabbit immunogens. The antisera were characterized by (1) Ouchterlony double diffusion, (2) binding of 125I-labelled gliadin subfractions, (3) inhibition by several gliadin subfractions of binding between γgliadin antiserum and 125I-labeIled γgliadin.

2. Double diffusion showed identical cross-reactivity between the antisera and the gliadin subfractions with the exception of ω-gliadin. Precipitin lines of partial identity with gliadin were observed against rye secalins and barley hordeins but not oat avenins or maize zeins.

3. Binding was observed between unfractionated 125I-labelledα-, β-, γ- and ω-gliadins and all the antisera. There was binding of 125I-labelled ω-gliadin to the ω-gliadin antiserum but poor binding of 125I-labelled ω-gliadin to unfractionated α-, β- and γ-gliadin antisera. Competitive inhibition of binding between 125I-labelled γ-gliadin and γ-gliadin antiserum diluted 1:250 (v/v) demonstrated similar competition between α-, β- and γ-gliadins and this antiserum but poor competition between ω-gliadin, wheat glutenins, albumins and globulins, rye secalins, barley hordeins and oat avenins.

4. These findings suggest that there is a good correlation between the antigenic structure of gliadin proteins and their toxicity to patients with coeliac disease.

1. The milk production of one mother was determined post-partum for a period of 13 weeks, during which time breast milk was her infant's only source of food energy. The weight changes of both the mother and the male infant were recorded during this period.

2. The food intake and activity pattern of the mother were also recorded for 4-week periods: at 2, 6, 10 weeks after birth and 2 weeks after the cessation of lactation, which was maintained for a period of 27 weeks.

3. The infant regained his birth weight of 3310 g on the 14th day of life. His weight gain for the duration of the study, which averaged 233 g/week, was considered satisfactory.

4. The daily milk production increased gradually from an average of 241 g during the 1st week post-partum to 995 g during the 12th week. The infant's maximum milk intake and hence food energy intake per kg body-weight was (range) 198–204 g milk and 550–560kJ/kg respectively during the 3rd to the 7th week, followed by a gradual decrease from the 8th to the 13th week after birth.

5. The estimated efficiency of energy coversion for breast-milk production was consistent with other values reported in the literature.