Effect of isabgol husk supplementation in a low-fibre diet on serum levels and calcium, phosphorus and iron balance in adolescent girls.

The investigation was conducted on 11 healthy, non-anaemic adolescent girls of 16-18 years of age. A balance study was conducted in two trials of 3 weeks each on low- and high-fibre diets. The high-fibre diet consisted of the low-fibre diet plus 25 g isabgol husk. The mean diet and nutrient intakes of the subjects were approximately the same during both trials. Addition of isabgol (Isphaghula) husk to the low-fibre diet significantly increased the urinary excretion of phosphorus and iron; faecal excretion of calcium, phosphorus and iron; and the serum calcium, phosphorus and iron levels decreased significantly (P < 0.05). The apparent retention of calcium, phosphorus and iron was significantly (P < 0.05) lowered on the high-fibre diet, but the balances of these nutrients were positive. Thus the isabgol does not have a desirable effect on mineral levels.

Effect of Isabgol husk supplementation on trace minerals (Zn, Cu, Mn) levels in adolescent girls.

The study was conducted on eleven healthy non-anaemic adolescent girls of 16 to 18 years of age. Balance studies were conducted in two trials of three weeks each on low and high fibre diets. High fibre diet contained 25 g Isabgol husk in addition to low fibre diet. The mean diet and nutrient intakes of the subjects were approximately the same during both trials. Addition of Isabgol husk to low fibre diet significantly (P less than or equal to 0.05) increased faecal excretion of zinc, copper and manganese and lowered their apparent retention. The serum levels of these trace minerals decreased significantly (P less than or equal to 0.05). Thus the high level of Isabgol has undesirable effect on trace minerals.

Effect of incorporation of isabgol husk in a low fibre diet on faecal excretion and serum levels of lipids in adolescent girls.

The effect of consumption of isabgol husk for 3 weeks on faecal excretion and serum levels of lipids was investigated in 11 adolescent girls. The consumption of isabgol husk lowered serum lipids and increased faecal fat.

Effect of consumption of iron-fortified salt on iron status in young girls.

The effect of consumption of iron fortified salt for 72 days on levels of haemoglobin and other haematological variables as well as serum levels of protein, iron and total iron binding capacity were investigated in 11 young girls. The consumption of iron-fortified salt increased iron intake, haemoglobin and serum iron and decreased the level of total iron binding capacity.

Effect of cellulose on serum lipids in adolescent girls.

The effect on serum lipid concentration of adding 21 g cellulose to a controlled low-fibre diet of natural foods was studied in nine healthy adolescent girls. The experimental period consisted of two periods of three weeks with each subject serving as her own control. The addition of cellulose did not affect serum total lipids, cholesterol, phospholipids, triglycerides and free fatty acids.

Effect of cellulose incorporation in a low fiber diet on fecal excretion and serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, and iron in adolescent girls.

The investigation was conducted on nine healthy, nonanemic adolescent girls of 16 to 18 yr of age. Balance studies were carried out for 21 days each on low and high fiber diets. The high fiber diet contained 21 g pure cellulose added to the low fiber diet. Food, fecal, and serum samples of the subjects were analyzed for calcium, phosphorus, and iron. Except for fiber and cellulose the mean diet and nutrient intakes of the subjects were approximately the same during both trials. Addition of cellulose to low fiber diet significantly increased the fecal excretion of calcium, phosphorus, and iron and the serum calcium, inorganic phosphorus and iron levels decreased significantly (p less than or equal to 0.01). These studies show that cellulose lowered the serum calcium, phosphorus, and iron levels. Therefore, high cellulose intakes may not be advisable.