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Chinese Student Support from North Sparta Church of God
This project provided support for a student from the People's Republic of China to pursue a graduate program in Food Science. The associated research project has involved the development and testing of gluten-free baked products for persons who are allergic to wheat. Numerous ingredient formulations were evaluated by a sensory panel and by physical/chemical tests to determine the most acceptable products.
Sponsor: North Sparta Church of God
PI: Barbara Stoecker
Drug, Nutrient, and Physiological Interactions Affecting Chromium
Effects on chromium of medications which affect prostaglandin's were evaluated. In rats, indomethacin, a non-steroidal antinflammatory drug that inhibits prostaglandin synthesis, significantly increased absorption and retention of 51chromium. Dimethylprostaglandin E2, a prostaglandin analogue used clinically to alleviate gastrointestinal ulceration, significantly reduced 51chromium absorption and retention. These results illustrate potential impacts of medications commonly used by the elderly on trace mineral status.
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
PI: Barbara Stoecker
Eating Habits and Nutrient Adequacy
Despite intensive educational efforts by numerous health organizations, many people continue to eat more food than they need, while eating inadequate amounts of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Objectives of this study are to identify factors that lead to poor food choices that can lead to inadequate nutrient intake and increased risk of chronic diseases associated with eating habits. Not only do typical diets contain fewer servings of fruits and vegetables than recommended, but younger adults consume lower amounts of these foods than do older adults, suggesting an undesirable change in eating habits.
Sponsor: Oklahoma Beef Industry Council
PI: Christa F. Hanson
Effects of Beef Fat on Life Span of Animals
Eating habits can have a major impact on the incidence and severity of many chronic degenerative disorders. Consumption of excess calories and obesity have been linked to these disorders. Effects of consumption of fat and other dietary components on digestion, body fat, and blood lipids are being evaluated. Specific objectives are to examine the interaction of amount and type of fat with other dietary components and their effects on calorie intake, digestibility and absorption of nutrients, and on body composition and how these interactions are altered by age.
Sponsor: Oklahoma Beef Industry Council
PI: Christa F. Hanson
Effects of Trace Element Supplementation on Measures of Nutritional Status
Thirty-four adult volunteers over the age of 50 participated in a mineral supplementation study to determine the effects of supplemental Zn (30.4 mg/d), Cu (3.4 mg/d), Cr (241 ug/d) or placebo on indicators of mineral status. Osteocalcin, parathyroid hormone and alkaline phosphatase, measures of bone metabolism, were affected differently within gender and supplement groups.
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
PI: Andrea Arquitt
Effects and Interactions of Trace Minerals on Plasma Lipids and Bone Metabolism
The effects of chromium or copper supplementation on plasma lipids, apolipoproteins, and plasma minerals in adults over age 50 were investigated. Twenty-four volunteer subjects were randomly assigned to one of three treatments; eight weeks supplementation with either 0.25 g/d lactose as a placebo, 241 ug/d chromium as chromium chloride, or 3.4 mg copper as copper carbonate. There were eight subjects per treatment group. Plasma lipids (total and HDL cholesterol and triglycerides), apolipoproteins (Apo A-1 and Apo B), plasma zinc and copper were measured and LDL cholesterol was calculated at baseline and after eight weeks supplementation. Data were analyzed using the SAS general Linear Models, Least Squared Means, Correlation, and Regression procedures. Chromium supplementation for eight weeks significantly decreased plasma total cholesterol. Eight weeks chromium supplementation also significantly increased Apo B and plasma copper concentrations. In the copper supplemented group, the Copper supplementation for eight weeks significantly decreased plasma total, HDL, and LDL cholesterol concentrations. Regression models were developed for change in plasma lipids from changes during supplementation in plasma zinc and copper concentrations. In the chromium supplemented group, changes in plasma copper were significant predictors for changes in LDL cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations, and changes in plasma zinc were significant predictors for changes in total cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations. In the copper supplemented group, changes in plasma copper were significant predictors for changes in total cholesterol, HDL and LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. These data indicate that diets adequate in chromium and copper may have beneficial effects on plasma lipids.
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
PI: Janice Hermann
Effects of Dietary Fiber, Fat, and Calcium on Body Composition
Body fat accumulation is related to an increased incidence and severity of several chronic degenerative disorders, such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. Objectives of this research program are to examine the impact of dietary fat, fiber, and calcium on calorie intake, digestibility, body composition, efficiency of utilization of dietary fat, and effects on serum lipid profiles. Studies utilizing rodents have demonstrated important effects of calcium and fiber on digestibility and available energy of fat.
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
PI: Christa F. Hanson
Factors Influencing Consumer Eating Behaviors
This study is investigating the factors influencing food consumption using data from USDA's 1989-91 Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals and Diet and Health Knowledge Survey. Variables include such items as race, age, income, health status, supplement use, perceptions of diet, nutrition knowledge, and attitudes toward diet influence nutrient intake.
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
PI: Gail Gates
Higher Education Multicultural Scholars Program
Four Native American students were recruited as juniors in Dietetics in the Department of Nutritional Sciences for a two-year Higher Education Multicultural Scholars program. Upon graduation, the students will be eligible to apply for the graduate Dietetic Internship program to qualify for the national registration examination given by The American Dietetic Association.
Sponsor: U.S. Department of Agriculture
PI: Lea Ebro