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Data presented in this paper show that there is no significant difference between plasma and serum vitamin B12 activity when EDTA is used as the anticoagulant. By drawing 5 ml of blood into a tube containing EDTA, the whole blood and plasma B12 activity can be measured using Lactobacillus leichmannii for the assay as the test organism. Erythrocyte B12 levels can be obtained by difference after correcting for hematocrit. Sodium heparin appears to inhibit the growth of L. leichmannii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protein requirements in maintenance hemodialysis patients are still unclear. Based on nitrogen balance studies and different analyses of protein and amino acid metabolism, the recommendations until recently were 1 g/kg of body weight, primarily of high biological value protein. According to the results of controlled long-term studies the 1 g recommendation now seems too low. The paper reports on the results of a controlled study undertaken to define protein requirements. The effect of supplementation with a special protein mixture is studied on the basis of 1 g of protein per kilogram of body weight intake and about 20 hr standard dialysis per week. The results suggest that 1.2 g of protein per kilogram of body weight primarily of high biological value protein and 35 kcal/kg of body weight should be prescribed for dialysis patients. In case of complications (bleeding, infection, and other stress situations) additional supplements are necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anaerobic, gram-negative, nonsporing rod-shaped bacteria that digest wet-ball-milled filter paper have been isolated in numbers of over 108 per gram wet weight of feces, about 0.3% of total viable bacteria, from feces of two humans. Significant numbers of cellulolytic bacteria were not detected in four other humans. One of the strains is a Bacteroides sp., which only slowly digests cellulose and produces succinate, acetate, and H2 in carbohydrate fermentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, short-term effects of the composition of each meal on the synthesis of brain neurotransmitters have been studied. This paper reviews studies of the influence of dietary precursors such as tryptophan and other competing amino acids on serotonin synthesis and metabolism and emphasizes the important influence of insulin. The paper then focuses on assessment of newborn state behavior, since evidence in adult humans has suggested a relationship between sleep behavior and brain serotonin levels. Several studies are then summarized. First, a study of healthy full-term newborns examining the relationship between diet and sleep behavior showed that infants fed tryptophan entered active and quiet sleep sooner than infants fed valine and low carbohydrate. Other studies designed to examine the influence of hyperinsulinemia on this system are then described. An observational study of newborns of diabetic mothers during the first weeks of life showed that they were quieter babies, with difficulties in visual orientation and motor performance. Plasma amino acid ratios studied during a glucagon-stimulation test in an infant with hyperinsulinemia showed a marked increase in parallel with changes in insulin levels. The results suggest that infant sleep behavior can be a sensitive dependent variable in studies of behavioral effects of diet and suggests that variations in serotonin levels may play a modulating role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses a regression technique for determining maintenance nitrogen requirements in well-nourished primates (M fascicularis) on total parenteral nutrition. Animals were administered a continuous glucose infusion, and parenteral nitrogen intake was varied at constant time intervals in a random order (from 0 to 1 g nitrogen/kg/day). Interval nitrogen balance (intake minus urinary nitrogen output) was plotted against interval nitrogen intake. The x-intercept was defined as the maintenance nitrogen requirement. First, 24-h intervals were used at a nonprotein caloric intake of 85 kcal/kg/day („ 175% of primate resting energy expenditure) and the nutritional adequacy of the estimated requirement evaluated prospectively. Next, 8-h balance intervals were used and the maintenance nitrogen requirements predicted by this abbreviated technique were compared to those obtained using the longer method. Finally, the short-interval technique was repeated at two other levels of continuous glucose infusion (60 kcal/kg/day and 8 kcal/kg/day) and the effect on predicted nitrogen requirement examined. Maintenance parenteral nitrogen requirements for primates may be determined in 48 h using the abbreviated techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In October 1975 a longitudinal study of over 2000 married women was initiated in Matlab, Bangladesh, to determine the association of fertility with nutritional status. This paper reports the results on nutritional status among nonpregnant women. The average weight and height of the study women was 40.4 kg and 147.9 cm. Weight fluctuated throughout the 2 1/2 yr study period corresponding to seasonal food shortages. Maternal weight (controlling for height) was consistently lower for older, higher parity women, illustrating the negative impact of increasing numbers of births on the mother's nutrient stores. Older women were also shorter than younger women, due to greater deficits in growth during childhood. Older, higher parity women had slightly lower hematocrits than younger women with an overall mean of 35%. Education level was associated positively with height, weight, and hematocrit. Muslims were taller and heavier than Hindus, reflecting their generally higher socioeconomic status. The seasonal pattern of nutritional status is discussed in relation to the seasonally of food availability, activity patterns, and incidence of infectious disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the various papers presented at the Workshop on Nutrition and Hypertension, which was held on March 12-14, 1984. Topics discussed include laboratory methods in nutrition research, nutritional factors involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension, and the role of sodium in hypertension. Researchers David M. Hegsted, John R. Gill, and Richard J. Havlik participated in the workshop.

New product development requires the integration of sensory attributes including product taste, texture, and appearance with consumer attitudes and health biases. Both sensory and attitudinal variables determine food preferences, product purchase and food consumption. This review paper describes novel mathematical procedures that allow for study of real foods rather than model systems. Application of the Response Surface Method (RSM) to sensory evaluation of salted snacks is described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the past 10 yr. renewed interest has been expressed in the mechanisms controlling the intake of specific dietary components. In particular, this interest has focused on research examining the role of the central nervous system in regulating intake of the three macronutrients protein, fat, and carbohydrate. Several hypotheses relating specific neurotransmitter systems to nutrient selection have developed from this research. However, conflicting data make the acceptance of any one hypothesis about diet selection untenable. As an attempt to reconcile some of the conflicting data, the present paper describes a variety of factors which can influence patterns of nutrient choice. The effects of diet composition, the experimental environment, the animals' background, and nutritional history on diet selection are examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper is concerned with the locus of provenance of satiety signals, what these are generated by, and pathways by which they reach the brain. Satiety signals are generated by the stomach and are of two kinds: distention at high volume and nutrient content. The former, but not the latter, are relayed to the brain via the vagus. Receptors that signal nutrient respond to digestive breakdown product of such nutrient. Further experiments are summarized to show that the gastric nutrient signals are calibrated through learning by association with various flavors. Previous to such learning, when food is novel, gastric controls do not operate, but regulation occurs through oropharyngeal metering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper selectively reviews the main findings of studies on the possible effects of iron deficiency on cognitive function among infants and preschool children published after 1976, and presents data from a study recently conducted in rural Guatemala. In comparison to infants without signs of sideropenia, infants with iron deficiency with and without anemia tend to score lower in the Bayley Scale of Mental Development; conversely, there is no evidence for an association between iron deficiency and delayed motor development. Iron repletion therapy implemented over a period of 7 to 10 days is likely to result in an improvement in mental development scale scores among infants with iron deficiency with or without anemia. In comparison with preschool children without sideropenia, preschool children with iron deficiency with or without anemia are less likely to pay attention to relevant cues in problem solving situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mean and median dietary intakes of vitamin A in the US are ~1000 and 624 retinol equivalents, respectively. In this paper a satisfactory vitamin A status is defined as a total-body pool that provides adequate vitamin A to meet all known physiological needs and a reserve for 4 mo on low intakes or during stress. Mean dietary intakes required to maintain an adequate body pool (ie, 20 μg vitamin A/g liver (0.07 μmol/gl) in reference 76-kg men and 62-kg women are 506 and 413 pg retinol, respectively. Recommended dietary intakes (RDI) for nearly all reference men and women are 700 μg and 600 μg. respectively. Vitamin A needs in infants, children, the elderly, and pregnant and lactating women are quantified. The toxicity of vitamin A in early pregnancy, for which a safe intake level is not known, is stressed. On many grounds these suggested lower RDI values are preferable to the 1980 RDA values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simplified method for the simultaneous determination of hemoglobin and hematocrit using dried capillary blood collected on chromatographic paper discs was developed and evaluated under laboratory and field conditions. The paper disc method (PDM) was compared with traditional laboratory methods (TM) in blood samples collected from human subjects with a wide range of hemoglobin and hematocrit values. Associations between PDM and TM were highly significant (p < 0.001). Correlation coefficients were 0.90454 for hemoglobin and 0.9266 for hematocrit and there were no significant differences between mean values obtained by both procedures. Hemoglobin levels in discs remained unchanged during a storage for 1 mo. Hematocrit values, however, were constant throughout a 6-mo evaluation. On average, the percent coefficients of variation were 3.4 and 8.3% for determinations of hemoglobin and hematocrit, respectively. It is concluded that PDM represents a practical alternative approach for assessing hematological status in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxicology is based on the premise that all compounds are toxic at some dose. Thus, it is not surprising that very large doses of aspartame (or its components--aspartate, phenylalanine, and methanol) produce deleterious effects in sensitive animal species. The critical question is whether aspartame ingestion is potentially harmful to humans at normal use and potential abuse levels. This paper reviews clinical studies testing the effects of various doses of aspartame upon blood levels of aspartate, phenylalanine, and methanol. These studies demonstrate that blood levels of these compounds are well below levels associated with adverse effects in sensitive animal species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews major university-industry partnerships with specific attention to food science and technology. Included in this discussion are the types of research support that industry provides to universities and interdisciplinary areas with special funding potential. The paper also discusses the role of government, of food industry organizations, of scientific societies, and of scientific advisory committees in developing priorities for initiating or expanding research programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the outline and first results of an international study to investigate the effect of a reasonable amount of dietary fish on some aspects of cardiovascular risk. In Maastricht and Zeist, The Netherlands, and Tromsø, Norway, healthy male volunteers were given a dietary supplement consisting of 100 g/d of mackerel or meat for a 6-wk period. Compliance was monitored on the basis of the urinary excretion of lithium, which was added to the supplements. Average compliance was ~80% and this decreased slightly in time. Systolic blood pressure decreased in both groups to a comparable degree; consequently no specific effect of the fish supplement was observed. The fish supplement significantly prolonged bleeding times. Hematology was hardly affected but platelet counts decreased significantly. No indications were obtained for adverse effects of the fish supplement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several abstracts of research papers presented at the 1987 International Symposium on Clinical Nutrition and Postgraduate Course, held during April 27-29, 2014 are presented including Bone Mineral Status: A Comparison of Methods, Nutritional Status and Bone Mineral Density in Patients with Eating Disorders and Improved Lactose Digestion During Human Pregnancy in Primary Lactose Maldigestion.

CSP #221 is a randomized multiinstitutional clinical trial to assess the efficacy of 10 d of perioperative total parenteral nutrition (TPN) in reducing morbidity and mortality in malnourished patients undergoing intraperitoneal and/or intrathoracic operations. In this paper a detailed protocol for the clinical efficacy trial is presented primarily as a reference document for use in interpretation of the results of the clinical trial. It is also anticipated, however, that review of this protocol may be useful to other investigators planning future clinical nutrition intervention trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the use of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) has been increasing in recent years, few studies have been performed on both its costs and its effectiveness or benefits. This paper provides a general review of the methods of cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit analysis, summarizes briefly the existing cost-analysis studies of TPN, and outlines the authors' proposed study design for their economic assessment of TPN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information on several papers discussed at a 1988 American Society for Clinical Nutrition (ASCN) roundtable discussion is presented. Topics include how to involve students in nutrition education programs, logical steps to curriculum development, and identification and utilization of intramural resources. Doctors Richard Grand, Willard Visek, and Harold Lubin were among who presented these papers.

Information about several papers discussed at the first International Congress on Vegetarian Nutrition held in the U.S. in 1988 is presented. Topics include the health benefits of vegetarian diets, its risks or benefits to pregnant and lactating women and children, and lower heart disease risk among vegetarians as well as the potential risk of low-fat diet to mineral absorption. The congress featured several speakers including researchers Johanna Dwyer and James Anderson.

Recently, a relatively small reduction in systolic blood pressure (~5 mm Hg) was estimated to substantially reduce the numbers of major coronary events. The blood pressure reduction is about the same as the difference seen between typical ovolactovegetarians and omnivores. This paper reviews the evidence for the blood pressure-lowering effects of a vegetarian diet on those with elevated blood pressure. It also reviews whether the effect on blood pressure of a vegetarian diet can be attributed either to elevation of the dietary P:S ratio or to fiber intake alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitamin B-12 is of singular interest in any discussion of vegetarian diets because this vitamin is not found in plant foods as are other vitamins. Many of the papers in the literature give values of vitamin B-12 in food that are false because as much as 80% of the activity by this method is due to inactive analogues of vitamin B-12. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information about several papers discussed at the First International Conference on Nutrition and Fitness held in Ancient Olympia, Greece in May 1988 is presented. Topics include the importance of proper nutrition and diet to overall fitness and health of a person, health aspects of physical exercise and health promotion as well as risks of cardiovascular disease, cancer and other chronic diseases. The conference featured several speakers including Alex Malaspina, Otto Szymiczek and Gino Levi.

The Fourth Conference for Federally Supported Human Nutrition Research Units and Centers, sponsored by the Interagency Committee on Human Nutrition Research, addressed two topics: nutrition and function, and nutrient interactions and toxicities. This article summarizes the conference's introductory remarks and the contents of the 34 papers presented. Future meetings of federally supported nutrition research units and centers will focus on other human nutrition research topics and will be held biennially. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews the anorectic activity and effectiveness of catecholamine and serotoninergic anorectic drugs in the management of obesity. It discusses the clinical implications of the experimental findings and suggests prescribing strategies for effective long-term therapeutic benefit. The authors advocate that there is a role for the recently developed serotonin-mediated anorectic compounds in the treatment of obesity, particularly in those individuals with abnormal glucose tolerance or who are hypertensive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The introduction of potent cholecystokinin (CCK) receptor antagonists, selective for either the CCK-A or the CCK-B subtype, has provided a great impetus to the study of activity of endogenous CCK in relation to the control of feeding. This paper reviews experiments in which devazepide (a selective CCK-A receptor antagonist) and L-365,260 (a selective CCK-B-gastrin receptor antagonist) have been used. Both compounds increase food consumption (under certain conditions) and postpone the onset of satiety. L-365,260 is the more potent, suggesting a role for central CCK-B type receptors in satiety. In addition, use of CCK antagonists permits the study of important functional interactions between CCK and other neurochemical factors that serve to control feeding. Thus, devazepide, but not L-365,260, blocked the anorectic effect of either d-fenfluramine or serotonin. Hence, CCK-A type receptors appear to be involved in the anorectic effect of these drugs. This result serves as an example to illustrate a principle of cooperativity in the satiety-inducing effects of diverse neurochemical signals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One method for the collection of urine samples from infants involves absorption of the urine on cotton balls placed in the diaper. Such samples are not timed and excretions are often expressed per mg of urinary creatinine. An assumption in this method is that the creatinine concentration is not changed by the absorption process. The concentration of creatinine in urine samples was measured before and after absorption of the urine by cotton balls, rayon balls, or diaper material over a range of wetness. For urine from both adults and infants, absorption on rayon balls and diaper material caused an important artifactual decrease in the concentration of creatinine. The effect was particularly striking in lightly wetted samples; the mean percent decrease was only 3 ± 2% for cotton but was 9 ± 5% for rayon (n = 10) and 13 ± 4% for diaper material (n = 7). These data provide evidence that rayon balls and diaper material (and to a lesser extent cotton balls) selectively adsorb creatinine from human urine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we compare the fatty acid content of egg yolks from hens fed four different feeds as a source of docosahexaenoic acid to supplement infant formula. Greek eggs contain more docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6ω3) and less linoleic acid (LA, l8:2ω6) and α-linolenic acid (LNA, 18:3ω3) than do fish-meal or flax eggs. Two to three grams of Greek egg yolk may provide an adequate amount of DHA and arachidonic acid for a preterm neonate. Mean intake of breast milk at age 1 mo provides 250 mg long-chain ω3 fatty acids. This amount can be obtained from < 1 yolk of a Greek egg (0.94), > 1 yolk of flax eggs (1.6) and fish-meal eggs (1.4), or 8.3 yolks of supermarket eggs. With proper manipulation of the hens' diets, eggs could be produced with fatty acid composition similar to that of Greek eggs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quantitative measurement of dietary fiber does not recognize its diverse actions on nutrient absorption, sterol metabolism, fermentation in the colon, and stool weight. These differences in action are more likely due to differences in physical characteristics along the gastrointestinal tract. This paper explores such physical characteristics and attempts to classify dietary fiber in a more physical manner. This approach recognizes the diverse and variant action of each dietary fiber, which may be modified as a result of processing and cooking without changing in any way the quantitative measurement of dietary fiber. The general principles developed in this paper could also be applied to other polymeric materials passing along the gastrointestinal tract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a probability assessment of the adequacy of protein intakes of toddlers (aged 18-30 mo) in study communities in Egypt, Kenya, and Mexico judged in relation to FAO/WHO/UNU estimates of requirements. Effects of supplementing amino acid intakes, or of assuming lower bio-availability for lysine are also considered. In Egypt and Mexico existing protein intakes of toddlers were adequate. In Kenya existing intakes were marginal. Total protein intake was low and often lysine or tryptophan concentration was low. If Kenyan intakes met estimated energy requirements, protein intakes would be adequate. We conclude that protein intake is unlikely to be a primary limiting factor for toddler growth and development, and the benefit to be expected from increasing the intake of limiting amino acids is marginal. Reported associations of animal-source protein and energy with growth, size, and psychologic function of these toddlers arc unlikely to be causally attributable to inadequacy of protein intakes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Life expectancy at birth has risen in all industrialized countries during the last 100 years, but mortality improvements by gender and region often have proceeded at very different rates. Although some countries have experienced increases in overall mortality during recent decades, the levels of life expectancy gains in countries such as Japan have confounded demographic predictions and have led to renewed research and debate over future mortality decline and the limits to human life. This paper reviews levels of and changes in life expectancy at birth and at older ages in industrialized countries during the 20th century. Trends in mortality and morbidity at older ages are summarized in the context of the historic epidemiological disease transition from infectious to chronic. Cause-specific and active/inactive decompositions of life expectancy are examined, as are initial attempts to correlate life expectancy with physical attributes that may reflect differential nutritional status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the history of conferences on very-low-calorie diets that were started since 1980 after the rediscovery of a scientific paper on the of very-low-calorie diets published in the "American Journal of Medical Science" by Frank Evans and James Strang in 1970s.

This paper selectively reviews available evidence concerning psychological characteristics associated with obesity, psychological changes accompanying very-low-calorie diets (VLCDS), and the influence of certain psychological factors on response to VLCD treatment. The obese population as a whole does not show an elevated incidence of psychopathology. Treatment-seeking obese do show more psychiatric disturbance, at a level comparable to other medical/surgical patients. There appear to be no global personality traits or profiles that are associated with obesity. However, obese people differ from non-obese groups on psychological and behavioral variables related to weight and eating and more frequently display perceptual and emotional body image anomalies. Binge eating appears rather common among obese groups. VLCDS have generally neutral to positive effects on hunger, depression, and anxiety. New data on body image suggest that VLCDs are associated with post-treatment underestimation of body size. Finally, recent data on possible psychological and behavioral correlates of VLCDs outcome are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents 90-wk data on five seriously overweight subjects originally brought together for 1-2 wk in simple residential accommodation to share the experience of beginning a program of very-low-calorie dieting. All subjects have remained well below their starting weight; four of the five subjects have continued to lose weight (weight losses 33.7-66.8 kg), now weighing less than at the end of the first 26 wk previously reported. It is proposed that this self-help group model, in-corporating a very-low-calorie diet, is valuable for the long-term management of obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The distribution of chemical elements in rocks and soils varies widely. Selenium is one of the elements that has remarkable regional variations in distribution and bioavailability. This paper reviews the epidemiology of selenium deficiency in China in connection with the etiology of human selenium-responsive diseases, the well-defined Keshan disease (KD) and the less-well-defined Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An individual's behavior is created by an amalgam of genetic, environmental, cultural, and historical variables working in concert and changing over time. Variations in nutrition are one class of environmental factors. Linking these to outcome effects requires carefully designed studies. Many considerations are involved, and this paper draws attention to some of the fundamental ones. Psychological and behavioral functions tend to be complex, in part because they are affected by a wide range of variables. Almost any given state-a particular constellation of psychological characteristics displayed by an individual at a given time--can be produced in a variety of ways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper compares the effects of combined iodine and selenium deficiency, of single deficiencies of these trace elements, and of no deficiency on thyroid hormone metabolism in rats. In rats deficient in both trace elements, thyroidal triiodothyronine (T3), thyroidal thyroxin (T4), thyroidal total iodine, hepatic T4, and plasma T4 were significantly lower, and plasma thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid weight were significantly higher than in rats deficient in iodine alone. Plasma and hepatic T3 concentrations were similar in the dietary groups. Hepatic type I iodothyronine deiodinase (ID-I) activity was inhibited by selenium deficiency irrespective of the iodine status. Type II deiodinase (ID-II) activity in the brain was significantly higher and in pituitary, significantly lower in combined deficiency than in iodine deficiency alone. These data show that selenium can play an important role in determining the severity of the hypothyroidism associated with iodine deficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper considers the factors that affect the bioavailability of selenium to human populations and describes briefly the consequences of an inadequate dietary intake of selenium in the Peoples' Republic of China and in Zaire. A review of human blood selenium concentrations worldwide reveals very large differences in the apparent dietary status of individuals in different areas. The question is raised as to whether blood selenium measurement is a reliable index of actual selenium status in terms of bioavailability and function of the element. It is concluded that the preferred indexes of human selenium status are blood, or plasma and/or serum, concentrations of the element and the level of activity of the selenium-dependent enzyme glutathione peroxidase in erythrocytes or in plasma. Several important caveats to this conclusion are mentioned and other means of assessing selenium status are also considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The association between specific nutrient deficiencies and poor performance on behavioral tests has been documented for several nutrients. The determination of causality, however, remains elusive. This paper presents the essential criteria for a valid test of causality. Findings from experimental studies in which a nutritional treatment was randomly allocated can be summarized in a statistical statement about the probability that the nutrient treatment caused the behavioral response. Criteria for assessing the internal validity of these studies are examined in terms of whether alleviation of a nutrient deficiency did or did not produce a detectable behavioral response. The plausibility of such a causal inference is dependent on its congruency with known or theorized biological and behavioral mechanisms. External validity describes the extent to which inferences from internally valid studies may be applicable to other populations or circumstances. In addition to these scientific considerations, some of the ethical issues of nutrient-treatment trials are also discussed. All of these considerations provide a better basis for judging whether public health action would be worthwhile than do observed associations that could actually be due to other causes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews evidence that the macro-nutrient composition of the diet and the maintenance of energy balance are correlated. Intervention studies show that subjects lose weight on low-fat diets and gain weight on high-fat diets. Descriptive studies show that overweight subjects eat relatively more fat but have the same total energy intake as nonoverweight subjects. The body has a limited ability to oxidize fat compared with its ability to oxidize carbohydrate and protein. The con- elusion is that becoming overweight can be prevented by reducing the fat content of the diet. Studies on nutrient utilization show a ready increase in carbohydrate oxidation whereas fat oxidation does not change after meals enriched with, respectively, carbohydrate or fat. However, in the long term, the respiratory quotient (RQ) is closer to the food quotient (FQ) for subjects eating high- fat diets than it is for subjects eating high-carbohydrate diets. For high-carbohydrate diets, the RQ is lower than is the FQ. indicating that subjects must mobilize body fat. This is supported by data on body weight loss in subjects changing from a standard maintenance diet to a low-fat diet, even while energy intake was increased with nearly 20% . Direct evidence for a higher energy expenditure for low-fat diets is not yet available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is increasingly appreciated that some foods and food components, including fructose, have specific health benefits and/or potential risks. This recognition is associated with varied health claims and cautionary statements that can drive dynamic changes in food manufacture, selection, consumption, and views about food safety. It is imperative that the scientific and public health communities develop clear standards for evaluating potential benefits and risks, a process for accurately conveying sound public health information to consumers, and a mechanism for monitoring future changes in the food supply and relating these changes to potential health effects. In this paper we discuss specific and general considerations about the health effects of dietary fructose and provide a perspective on their public health significance. On the basis of currently available information, there is little basis for recommending increased or decreased use of fructose in the general food supply or in products for special dietary use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents information about the Interdepartmental Graduate Nutrition Program, being offered by Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The program director is Maren Flegsted, Ph.D. It is an interdisciplinary program which involves faculties from Human Ecology, Food Science, Poultry, Dairy and Animal Science. It emphasizes on research in the nutrition area with studies in clinical human nutrition; mineral, protein and additive nutrition of animals' forage; nutrient quality; and nutrient availability in food stuffs. The requirement for M.S. is a minimum of 24 hours of course work and 6 hours of thesis research resulting in thesis. Ph.D. has no specific courses. It depends on student's previous training. Although, a dissertation is required for the completion of the course. Submission of one or more scholarly papers is also encouraged. Teaching and research assistantships are available on a competitive basis and vary among departments. Some of the faculties for the program are W. White, L.D. Bunting and J.A. Hebert.

This article presents information on several graduate programs in nutritional sciences, being offered by different universities in Missouri. The Department of Dietetics, Saint Louis University, offers M.S. degree in Dietetics. The program provides the environment to develop specialized skills in education, counseling, and administration of nutritional care. The emphasis in nutrition and physical performance prepares professionals to provide nutritional care at all levels of physical activity focusing on health promotion, disease prevention, and cardiovascular rehabilitation. The M.S. degree requires completion of 36 hours, research project, and paper for publication. The Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Missouri, offers M.S. in Food Science and Human Nutrition; and Ph.D. in Nutrition Area and Human Environmental Sciences/ Human Nutrition. The program may emphasize: trace element/nutrition metabolism; energy/protein metabolism; nutrient consumption patterns; diet/health relationship; nutrition education methodologies/techniques.