Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of psyllium in type 2 diabetic patients. Design: The study included three phases: phase 1 (1 week), phase 2 (treatment, 14 g fibre=day, 6 weeks) and phase 3 (4 weeks). At the end of each phase a clinical evaluation was performed after the ingestion of a test breakfast of 1824.2 kJ (436 kcal). Measurements included concentrations of blood glucose, insulin, fructosamine, GHbA 1c , C-peptide and 24 h urinary glucose excretion. In addition, uric acid, cholesterol and several mineral and vitamin concentrations were also evaluated. Setting: The study was performed at the Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Nursing at the University of Leó n (Spain). Subjects: Twenty type 2 diabetic patients (12 men and 8 women) participated in the study with a mean age of 67.4 y for men and 66 y for women. The mean body mass index of men was 28.2 kg=m 2 and that of women 25.9 kg=m 2 . Results: Glucose absorption decreased significantly in the presence of psyllium (12.2%); this reduction is not associated with an important change in insulin levels (5%). GHbA 1c , C-peptide and 24 h urinary glucose excretion decreased (3.8, 14.9 and 22.5%, respectively) during the treatment with fibre (no significant differences) as well as fructosamine (10.9%, significant differences). Psyllium also reduced total and LDL cholesterol (7.7 and 9.2%, respectively, significant differences), and uric acid (10%, significant difference). Minerals and vitamins did not show important changes, except sodium that increased significantly after psyllium administration. Conclusions:The results obtained indicate a beneficial therapeutic effect of psyllium (Plantaben 1 ) in the metabolic control of type 2 diabetics as well as in lowering the risk of coronary heart disease. We also conclude that consumption of this fibre does not adversely affect either mineral or vitamin A and E concentrations. Finally, for a greater effectiveness, psyllium treatment should be individually evaluated.

This chapter considers the health troubles (mainly digestive) linked to the balance of dietary components and the presence of nutrients in excess, mainly in relation to the initial composition of feed ingredients. The feeding strategies, particularly the control of feed intake for the young rabbit to reduce post-weaning digestive troubles, is discussed. The health consequences of non-nutritional components that are frequently associated with feed ingredients, such as mycotoxins, are also presented. Emphasis is also given to water quality, since water is also able to induce nutritional disorders when certain soluble components are too concentrated.

Albendazole (ABZ), mebendazole (MBZ), and ricobendazole (RBZ) are low-soluble anthelmintic benzimidazole carbamate drugs. To increase their aqueous solubility, three different types of beta-cyclodextrins (CyDs): beta-cyclodextrin (CD), hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HPCD), and methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (MCD) were used. Solubility depended on the type of CyDs. Increased solubility was obtained when the more substituted CyDs (HPCD or MCD) were used instead of nonsubstituted CD. Stability constants were calculated assuming a 1:1 stoichiometry. Calculated stability constant values depended on initial solubility of drug and pH of the medium. Solid ABZ complexes were prepared by coprecipitation and freeze-drying methods. These products were compared with physical mixtures of ABZ and CyDs. The characterization of these products was made by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and drug release studies. True inclusion complexes were obtained only by the freeze-drying method. Drug release studies showed that the freeze-dried inclusion complexes increased the solubility rate of ABZ, although a supersaturation effect was observed when drug release studies were performed in nonsink conditions. A bioavailability study on mice was done with a formulation of ABZ:HPCD complex and was compared to a conventional ABZ suspension. A significantly (p < .05) shorter Tmax of absorption was obtained by using the complex formulation. Greater and significant (p < .05) differences for AUC and Cmax were observed.

ABSTRACT:In the European context, the new legislation to avoid mineral contamination and the ban on antibiotics as growth promoters has led to the defi nition of new objectives in respect of nitrogen supply. The present study summarizes the state of nitrogen nutrition in rabbits and reviews the role of protein and amino acids in rabbit health and the new nitrogen value of protein sources based on true ileal digestibility (TID) for future recommendations. The main sources of nitrogen for microbial growth are ammonia, urea and protein (endogenous and dietary). The surplus of nitrogen fl ow to the caecum increases mortality rates during fattening by favouring the growth of potential pathogenic bacteria. Accordingly, feeding strategies to reduce ileal nitrogen fl ow have been reviewed. A large reduction of dietary protein level might have negative consequences on growth performances and mortality. In order to formulate balanced lowprotein diets, data on ileal and faecal amino acid digestibility of 14 raw materials is summarized. The use of this different unit for amino acid digestibility is also discussed.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate, under the same experimental conditions and in the same subjects, the effects of ispaghula husk and guar gum on postprandial glucose and insulin concentrations in healthy female subjects. Design: An oral glucose load with and without ®ber was administered in the morning after an overnight fast. The study of the ®ber effect was planned according to a randomized and cross-over design. Setting: The study was performed at the Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Nursing at the University of Leo Ân (Spain). Subjects: Ten healthy female volunteers aged 30 ± 48 y with normal body mass indices participated in this study. Results: A signi®cant decrease in mean serum insulin concentrations was observed from 30 to 90 min in the presence of both ®bers. The area under the insulin curve was signi®cantly reduced by 36.1% for ispaghula husk and 39.4% for guar gum. The area under the glucose curve was reduced by 11.1% (signi®cant difference) for ispaghula husk and 2.6% for guar gum (no signi®cant difference). Conclusions: According to the results obtained in this study, the administration of ispaghula husk may be bene®cial due to its ability to reduce glucose postprandial concentration and especially insulin requirements. Individualization of the treatment would be advisable due to large individual variations observed in glycemic and insulinemic postprandial responses.