Effects of dietary cellulose supplements on the body composition and cholesterol metabolism of albino rats.

The effect of inclusion of microcrystalline cellulose
(>300 mesh) in a 2 6 z casein diet on the body composition
and cholesterol metabolism of albino rats
was studied. Inclusion of cellulose to the extent of
5 to 20% resulted in a gradual decrease of productive
energy of the diet. Energy consumption rates
progressively declined as dietary energy level was
reduced, and were reflected in corresponding changes
in the fat content of the carcass. Increased plasma
and liver cholesterol induced by cholesterol feeding
in the rat could be largely counteracted by the concurrent
feeding of cellulose at 2 0 z level in the diet.
Sulfaguanidine fed at the 1 z level failed to modify
the effect of cellulose administration. The increased
excretion of bile acids in the feces of rats
on the 20% cellulose diet could be responsible for
the cholesterol lowering effect of cellulose.