No abstract

Sun-dried raisins are a source of dietary fibre and tartaric acid. The effects of tartaric acid on colon function have not been the focus of extensive research. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of dietary fibre and tartaric acid from sun-dried raisins on colon function and on faecal bile acid and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) excretion in healthy adults. Thirteen healthy subjects were fed 120 g sun-dried raisins/d or 5 g cream of tartar (equivalent to the tartaric acid in 120 g sun-dried raisins)/d for 9 weeks, divided into 3-week cycles. The experimental diets were fed in a crossover design after an initial control period. Faeces were collected for the last 4 d of each cycle for analysis of SCFA and bile acids. Intestinal transit time decreased from 42 h on the baseline diet to 31 h on cream of tartar (P, 0·1) and to 28 h on sun-dried raisins (P,0·05). Faeces were softer on both sun-dried raisins and cream of tartar, but sun-dried raisins increased faecal wet weight (P, 0·05), while cream of tartar did not. Sun-dried raisins caused significant reductions from baseline values in total bile acid concentration (from 1·42 (SD 1·03) to 1·09 (SD 0·76) mg/g, P,0·05), whereas cream of tartar did not (1·40 (SD 1·06) mg/g). Sun-dried raisins also significantly reduced the lithocholic (LC):deoxylithocholic acid (DC) ratio (from 1·63 (SD 0·85) to 1·09 (SD 0·50), P,0·02), whereas cream of tartar reduced the ratio, but to a lesser extent (1·29 (SD 0·79), NS). Both faecal bile acids and the LC:DC ratio are indicators of reduced risk for colon cancer. Sun-dried raisins increased total SCFA excretion (from 5·6 (SD 3·4) to 7·6 (SD 3·0) g/4 d, P,0·05), which remained unchanged with cream of tartar (5·6 (SD 3·0) g/4 d). Both sun-dried raisins and cream of tartar appear to be good stool softeners and to shorten intestinal transit time, although the fibre in sun-dried raisins has the added benefit of increasing faecal weight. Both sun-dried raisins and cream of tartar modulate the composition of faecal bile acids and SCFA in a way that has potential health benefits.

Results suggest expectant parents who plan to mix feed may be fundamentally different from those planning to exclusively breastfeed. There is a continued need to identify factors that influence the prenatal decision to mix feed and to develop strategies that promote exclusive breastfeeding in this population.

Perceived social support and interpersonal dependency JOAN BOETTCHER is a Registered Dietitian at the Metwere studied as potential factors associated with lactaroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio; JO CAROL tion duration based upon previous breastfeeding experi-

The purpose of this study was to determine if professional breastfeeding support could postpone formula introduction and prolong breastfeeding among participants in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). Fifty women in the experimental group received home visits and phone calls from a lactation educator following hospital discharge; 50 control group women were encouraged to contact a lactation educator as needed. Infants' ages at formula introduction and breastfeeding continuation rates were not significantly different between the groups. Common reasons for breastfeeding cessation included returning to work/school, inadequate milk supply, and latch‐on/suckling problems. Use of telephone contacts, delay of breastfeeding support until after hospital discharge, and early formula supplementation may have contributed to the ineffectiveness of the intervention.