Influence of dietary lupin seed mixed diet on serum cholesterol level in normal and diabetic rabbits

Fractions of lupine seed were added to the diet of both normal and diabetic hypercholesterolemic rabbits for 8 weeks. The effects on blood glucose, plasma glucagon and plasma cholesterol levels were investigated. The lipid extract had no effect. The defatted fraction, which is rich in fibers [11.0%] and contains 0.3% of alkaloid, significantly lowered basal blood glucose, plasma glucagon and plasma cholesterol levels in normal rabbits. The addition of this fraction to the food of diabetic hypercholesterolemic rabbits caused a decrease of cholesterolemic and reduced hyperglycemia. In conclusion, the defatted portion of lupine seed induced a hypocholesterolemic effect

comparison of the effects of dietary fiber concentrated from carrot sunflower seed and wheat bran on the serum cholesterol and blood glucose response in cholesterol-fed rats

Wheat bran 80% ethanol-insoluble residues from sunflower seeds or carrot were incorporated in purified diets to reach a 6% fiber level. Cholesterol-fed rats were fed on either one of the fiber diets or a fiber-fee diet. Serum and HDL [high density lipoprotein]-cholesterol levels were unchanged. Blood glucose levels tended to be reduced. The 6% level of the tested fibers was well tolerated, but the weights of the heart, spleen and liver were significantly decreased by carrot, carrot and sunflower seed fiber and sunflower seed fiber, respectively, suggesting that the safety of these fiber concentrates needs further investigation

Study of the nutritional status of primary school children in rural area in Egypt

This study was done on 159 school children [100 boys and 59 girls] aged 8-12 years in rural area of Egypt. Results showed that great majority of them came from families characterized by high crowding index, large size and illiteracy, which significantly affected their nutritional status. 49.68% of these children had parasitic infestations [mainly Schistosoma mansoni], which exerted a significant adverse effect on their nutritional status. Height, weight measurements were all below Sarhan's Egyptian local standards and Frisancho's norms, except for girls at the age of over 11 years, who showed higher due to the earlier pubertal changes occurring in rural communities than in urban areas. Also, girls showed significant higher arm anthropometric measurements than boys, which was attributed to the more deposition of fat in them. Hb% was below 12 g% in nearly 40% of cases indicating anemia, while the albumin concentration was within normal limits pointing to its hyposensitivity in evaluation of the protein status of children