Efficacy Of Dietary Supplements Research Articles

Efficacy of dietary supplements on mortality and clinical outcomes in adults with sepsis and septic shock: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

The aim of this network meta-analysis (NMA) was to investigate the effects of different dietary supplements on the mortality and clinical status of adults with sepsis. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library Central Register of Controlled Trials until February 2023. The inclusion criteria were: 1) randomized controlled trials (RCT)s; 2) adults suffering sepsis or septic shock; 3) evaluation of short- or long-mortality; and 4) publications between 1994 and 2023. The general information of studies and details of interventions were extracted. The primary outcome was short-term mortality (<90 days), and the secondary outcomes were long-term mortality (≥90 days), length of ICU and hospital stays, and duration of mechanical ventilation (MV). The risk of bias of RCTs was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool 2 (ROB2). A random effect NMA was performed to rank the effect of each intervention using a frequentist approach. Finally, 56 RCTs with 5957 participants met the criteria. Approximately, one-third of RCTs were low risk of bias. NMA analysis revealed that there was no treatment more effective in short- or long-term mortality than control or other interventions, except for magnesium (RR: 0.33, 95% CI: 0.14, 0.79; GRADE=low) and vitamin C (RR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.67, 0.99; low certainty evidence), which had beneficial effects on short-term mortality. Moreover, eicosapentaenoic acid, gamma-linolenic acid, and antioxidants (EPA+GLA+AOs) combination was the most effective, and magnesium, vitamin D and vitamin C were the other effective approaches in terms of duration of MV, and ICU length of stay. There was no beneficial dietary supplement for hospital stay in these patients. In septic patients, none of the dietary supplements had a substantial effect on mortality except for magnesium and vitamin C, which were linked to lower short-term mortality with low certainty of evidence. Further investigation into high-quality studies with the use of dietary supplements for sepsis should be highly discouraged.

Determining the safety and efficacy of dietary supplementation with 3ˊ-sialyllactose or 6ˊ-sialyllactose on growth, tolerance, and brain sialic acid concentrations

Sialylated oligosaccharides, including 3ˊ-sialyllactose (3ˊ-SL) and 6ˊ-sialyllactose (6ˊ-SL), comprise a large portion of human milk and have been known to support development over the first year of life. While research has investigated the impact of early-life supplementation, longer-term supplementation remains relatively unexplored. Consequently, the following study assesses the impact of supplementation of either 3ˊ-SL or 6ˊ-SL on growth performance, tolerance, and brain sialic acid concentrations. Two-day-old piglets (n = 75) were randomly assigned to a commercial milk replacer ad libitum without or with 3ˊ-SL or 6ˊ-SL (added at 0.2673% on an as-is basis). Daily body weight and feed disappearance were recorded to assess growth performance and tolerance. Pigs were euthanized for sample collection on postnatal day 33 (n = 30) or 61 (n = 33), respectively. Across growth performance, clinical chemistry and hematology, histomorphology, and sialic acid quantification, dietary differences were largely unremarkable at either time-point. Overall, SA was well-tolerated both short-term and long-term.

Efficacy of Dietary Supplementation with Zinc-Chromium Mixture, Organic Selenium, or Their Combinations on Growth Performance, Carcass Traits, and Blood Profiles of Broilers under Heat Stress Conditions.

To determine the effects of organic selenium (0.0-0.6 mg and 0.9 mg Se/Kg diet) and Zn-Cr mixture (100 mg Zn/Kg diet plus 1.5 mg Cr/Kg diet) on broiler chicken performance, carcass traits, blood hematology, and biochemistry under heat stress conditions, this study was conducted. Under temperatures between 30.21 to 31.82 °C, 240 broiler chickens (Ross-308), which were 7-day-old, were randomly assigned to one of six treatments: T1 (control), T2 (100 mg Zn per kg of diet and 1.5 mg Cr per kg of diet), T3 (0.6 mg Se per kg of diet), T4 (0.9 mg Se per kg of diet), T5 (100 mg Zn, 1.5 mg Cr and (LSe), and T6 (100 mg Zn, 1.5 mg Cr and (HSe)). At 35 days old, the chicks fed a diet containing Zn-Cr with low or high organic selenium (organic-Se) outweighed the control group in terms of live body weight, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio (p < 0.05). In comparison to the control treatment, birds fed diets supplemented with Zn-Cr or organic-Se (LSe, HSe) significantly increased their serum levels of total protein and total antioxidant capacity. However, these additives resulted in a decrease (p < 0.01) in their serum levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, creatinine, and uric acid. Together, it was found that trace elements (Zn-Cr and organic-Se) may greatly lessen the impacts of heat stress on broilers by promoting growth performance and boosting metabolic processes.

Pharmacological Investigation of Carvacrol Against D-Galactose-Induced Cognitive Memory Impairment

Aging is a physiological process involving senescence that declines the normal body functions and adaptability of the body towards metabolic and environmental stress declines and cognitive functions are also compromised. The role of inflammatory mediators are widely studied in cognitive functions in the past but the efficacy of dietary supplements against brain senescence is not well established. In the current study, we determined the neuroprotective potential of carvacrol against D-galactose-induced cognitive impairment. Male mice 25-30 grams were used to determine the anti-aging potential of carvacrol and we also demonstrated the role of p-NF-κB in the aging process. We observed the increased expression of p-NF-κB that further upregulated TNF-α and COX-2 expression. Moreover, we observed marked lipid peroxidation was observed along with a significant reduction in levels of antioxidant markers that lead to senescence in the cortical brain region (decreased percentage of intact neurons). Carvacrol has significantly reversed these detrimental effects caused by D-galactose by declining the expression of p-NF-κB. Our findings suggest that carvacrol has attenuated D-galactose-induced cognitive impairment by inhibiting p-NF-κB.

Supplementation of oligosaccharide-based polymer enhanced growth and disease resistance of weaned pigs by modulating intestinal integrity and systemic immunity

BackgroundThere is a great demand for antibiotic alternatives to maintain animal health and productivity. The objective of this experiment was to determine the efficacy of dietary supplementation of a blood group A6 type 1 antigen oligosaccharides-based polymer (Coligo) on growth performance, diarrhea severity, intestinal health, and systemic immunity of weaned pigs experimentally infected with an enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), when compared with antibiotics.ResultsPigs in antibiotic carbadox or Coligo treatment groups had greater (P < 0.05) body weight on d 5 or d 11 post-inoculation (PI) than pigs in the control group, respectively. Supplementation of antibiotics or Coligo enhanced (P < 0.05) feed efficiency from d 0 to 5 PI and reduced (P < 0.05) frequency of diarrhea throughout the experiment, compared with pigs in the control group. Supplementation of antibiotics reduced (P < 0.05) fecal β-hemolytic coliforms on d 2, 5, and 8 PI. Pigs in antibiotics or Coligo groups had reduced (P < 0.05) neutrophil counts and serum haptoglobin concentration compared to pigs in the control group on d 2 and 5 PI. Pigs in Coligo had reduced (P < 0.05) total coliforms in mesenteric lymph nodes on d 5 and 11 PI, whereas pigs in antibiotics or Coligo groups had reduced (P < 0.05) total coliforms in spleen on d 11 PI compared with pigs in the control group. On d 5 PI, pigs in the Coligo group had greater (P < 0.05) gene expression of ZO1 in jejunal mucosa, but less (P < 0.05) mRNA expression of IL1B, IL6, and TNF in ileal mucosa, in comparison with pigs in the control group. Supplementation of antibiotics enhanced (P < 0.05) the gene expression of OCLN in jejunal mucosa but decreased (P < 0.05) IL1B and IL6 gene expression in ileal mucosa, compared with the control. On d 11 PI, supplementation of antibiotics or Coligo up-regulated (P < 0.05) gene expression of CLDN1 in jejunal mucosa, but Coligo reduced (P < 0.05) IL6 gene expression in ileal mucosa compared to pigs in the control group.ConclusionsSupplementation of Coligo improved growth performance, alleviated diarrhea severity, and enhanced gut health in weaned pigs infected with ETEC F18 in a manner similar to in-feed antibiotics.

Exploring the Effects of Product Knowledge, Trust, and Distrust in the Health Belief Model to Predict Attitude Toward Dietary Supplements

Although the health belief model (HBM) has been widely applied in health behavior research, it cannot fully account for dietary supplement (DS) consumption. This study proposed a second-stage moderation model to empirically examine the mediating role of product knowledge and the moderating effects of trust and distrust in the HBM. Surveys were conducted both online and offline in first-tier Chinese cities; 768 effective samples were collected. Structural equation modeling was employed to test the hypotheses. The findings indicated that perceived susceptibility was a better predictor of attitude toward DS products. Second, perceived susceptibility’s effect on product attitude occurred through product knowledge. Third, trust in manufacturers positively affected product knowledge’s effect on product attitude. Based on these findings, to promote DS consumption, marketers can leverage consumers’ perceived susceptibility to illness, associate the benefits and efficacy of DSs with consumers’ health knowledge, and emphasize their production of high-quality DSs.

Safety and efficacy of dietary supplement (gintonin-enriched fraction from ginseng) in subjective memory impairment: A randomized placebo-controlled trial

BackgroundGintonin inhibits β-amyloid production, increases acetylcholine level in the brain, and promotes neurogenesis. We evaluated the efficacy of gintonin-enriched fraction (GEF) in improving the cognitive performance in subjective memory impairment. MethodsIn this 8-week, randomized, assessor and participant blinded, placebo–controlled study, participants with subjective memory impairment but preserved cognitive function (Korean Mini-Mental State Examination [K-MMSE] score ≥23) were assigned to GEF 300mg/day or placebo. K-MMSE, Korean versions of the Alzheimer's disease assessment scale, color-word stroop test (K-CWST), clinical dementia rating, and Beck depression inventory-II were evaluated along with the safety profiles. The primary outcome was set as the change in the K-MMSE. ResultsSeventy-six participants complete the study protocol. After 8 weeks, there was no inter-group difference in the primary or secondary outcome score changes. However, GEF group showed an improvement in the K-MMSE scores (P= 0.026), and in the number of correct answers in both word reading (P= 0.008) and color reading (P= 0.005) of K-CWST, although only the improvement in the K-CWST scores were higher than the minimum clinically important difference. The frequency of adverse events was comparable between the groups and all were of mild severity. ConclusionGEF is safe but might not be effective in treating subjective memory impairment within the current study setting. However, GEF showed a trend of improving the global cognition and the frontal executive function. Further large-sized studies with longer follow-up period are warranted. Clinical trial registrationThis clinical trial was registered at Clinical Research Information Service of Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: KCT0004636.

A Change Point Regression Model for Treatment Effects Estimation of Functional Foods in a Pre-Post Design

In an intervention study for functional foods, the study population is often a mixed group of healthy individuals and/or those who are not so healthy but are not definitely disease. For such heterogeneous populations, we propose an alternative approach for evaluating the efficacy of dietary supplements and functional foods based on a changepoint regression model (CPRM). The CPRM can be performed without stratified or subgroup analysis. By using profile likelihood methods based on the Akaike information criterion, inferences can made easily using standard statistical software. The proposed method was applied to skeletal muscle ratio study data, and the merit of the proposed method was demonstrated by comparing it with the conventional method. Keywords: Change point regression model Clinical trial; Dietary supplements; AIC

Efficacy of dietary supplements containing isolated organic compounds for weight loss: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised placebo-controlled trials.

A systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted to synthesise evidence on the efficacy of dietary supplements containing isolated organic compounds for weight loss. Four electronic databases (Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Cinahl) were searched until December 2019. Sixty-seven randomised placebo-controlled trials of dietary supplements containing isolated organic compounds for weight loss were included. Meta-analyses were conducted for chitosan, glucomannan, conjugated linoleic acid and fructans, comparing mean weight difference post-intervention between participants receiving the dietary supplement or placebo. Statistically significant weight differences compared to placebo were observed for chitosan (-1.84 kg; 95% confidence interval [CI] -2.79, -0.88; p < 0.01), glucomannan (-1.27 kg; 95%CI -2.45, -0.09; p = 0.04), and conjugated linoleic acid (-1.08 kg; 95%CI -1.61, -0.55; p < 0.01). None met our threshold for clinical significance (≥2.5 kg). There was no statistically significant effect on weight for fructans compared to placebo (p = 0.24). For dietary supplements with an inadequate number of trials for meta-analysis, a statistically and borderline clinically significant weight difference compared to placebo was found for modified cellulose, manno-oligosaccharides (in males), blood orange juice extract, and three multiple-ingredient dietary supplements. These were only reported in one trial of each. Thus, more evidence is needed before recommending them for weight loss. While some dietary supplements containing isolated organic compounds warrant further investigation to determine efficacy and safety, there is currently insufficient evidence to recommend any of these dietary supplements for weight loss.

Efficacy of Dietary Supplementation with Capsicum Annum L on Performance, Hematology, Blood Biochemistry and Hepatic Antioxidant Status of Growing Rabbits.

Simple SummaryThe inclusion of phytochemicals in animal diets is a strategy that has been used to improve animal productivity by increasing the production yield. The addition of red-hot pepper (RHP) powder enhances productive rabbit performance and immunological, biochemical, and antioxidant statuses. Rabbits fed 2% RHP powder had higher weights. Thus, adding 1 or 2% RHP powder to rabbit diets is an easy, simple, and safe option for producers. The slaughter index and physical blood characteristics red blood cells (RBC’s), packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscle hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscle hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were significantly improved by feeding growing rabbits on RHP levels. Low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and very-low were distinctly (VLDL-C) decreased (p < 0.05) when feeding rabbits either 1 or 2% RHP supplemented diets. Furthermore, supplementing the rabbit’s diet with 1% RHP led to a significant increase (p < 0.001) in the total antioxidant capacity when compared to the rabbits fed with the basal diet. Additionally, the thyroxin concentration was increased with RHP supplementation. A remarkably significant effect on serum and hepatic oxidative stress responses was observed with RHP supplementation.Animals fed with a high amount of a wide range of antioxidants in their diet are significantly protected against oxidative stress. Powerful antioxidant substances such as vitamin E, vitamin C, and carotenoids are present naturally in red-hot pepper (RHP). This study hypothesized that using RHP may provide protection against oxidative stress and enhance animal physiological responses. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effect of feeding New Zealand white rabbits with RHP-supplemented diets on their physiological and biochemical responses. New Zealand White rabbits (age = 6 weeks, n = 48) were split equally into three groups (n = 16 in each group). One group was fed a basal diet only (control group), with the other two groups fed a basal diet along with 1 and 2% RHP. Mass spectrometric analysis for the RHP methanolic extract showed some phenolic compounds, such as p-coumaric, sinapinic acids, vanillic, and luteolin, as well as catechin and its isomers. Hepatic antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GSH, GSH-Px, and CAT) were significantly elevated (p < 0.05) by feeding rabbits diets supplemented with 1 or 2% RHP. The addition of RHP significantly enhanced immune-responses; phagocytic activity, chemotaxis, TIg, IgG, IgM, and IgA increased when growing rabbits were fed RHP compared with the control group. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of 1 or 2% RHP may play a role as an enhancer of growth and immune response in growing rabbits.

Efficacy of Dietary Supplements in Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Related Autoimmune Diseases.

The microbiome is an important contributor to a variety of fundamental aspects of human health, including host metabolism, infection, and the immune response. Gut dysbiosis has been identified as a contributor to the errant immune response in a variety of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs), such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and psoriatic disease (psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis). Given this, probiotics and prebiotics have been investigated as therapeutic options in these disease states. In our review, we highlight the current evidence on prebiotics and probiotics as well as other supplements (such as fish oils, vitamin D, and curcumin) as therapies for IBD. Recommendations, however, regarding the specific use of such supplements in IBD have been lacking, particularly from professional societies, often due to study limitations related to small sample sizes and design heterogeneity. Hence, we additionally examine the literature on the use of prebiotics, probiotics, and other supplements in related IMIDs, namely RA and psoriasis/psoriatic arthritis, as these diseases share many approved therapeutic options with IBD. Based on these combined findings, we offer additional evidence that may help guide clinicians in their treatment of patients with IBD (and other IMIDs) and provide recommendations on potential next steps in therapeutic research in this area.

육계에 대한 커큐민 (Curcumin) 함유 강황 추출물의 사료 내 첨가 급여 효과 구명

육계에 대한 커큐민 (Curcumin) 함유 강황 추출물의 사료 내 첨가 급여 효과 구명

A Dietary Combination of Forskolin with Homotaurine, Spearmint and B Vitamins Protects Injured Retinal Ganglion Cells in a Rodent Model of Hypertensive Glaucoma

There is indication that nutritional supplements protect retinal cells from degeneration. In a previous study, we demonstrated that dietary supplementation with an association of forskolin, homotaurine, spearmint extract and B vitamins efficiently counteracts retinal dysfunction associated with retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death caused by optic nerve crush. We extended our investigation on the efficacy of dietary supplementation with the use of a mouse model in which RGC degeneration depends as closely as possible on intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation. In this model, injecting the anterior chamber of the eye with methylcellulose (MCE) causes IOP elevation leading to RGC dysfunction. The MCE model was characterized in terms of IOP elevation, retinal dysfunction as determined by electrophysiological recordings, RGC loss as determined by brain-specific homeobox/POU domain protein 3A immunoreactivity and dysregulated levels of inflammatory and apoptotic markers. Except for IOP elevation, dysfunctional retinal parameters were all recovered by dietary supplementation indicating the involvement of non-IOP-related neuroprotective mechanisms of action. Our hypothesis is that the diet supplement may be used to counteract the inflammatory processes triggered by glial cell activation, thus leading to spared RGC loss and the preservation of visual dysfunction. In this respect, the present compound may be viewed as a potential remedy to be added to the currently approved drug therapies for improving RGC protection.

Effect of dietary Halquinol supplementation on the productive performances, carcass traits and blood profile of Sonali chicken

This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of dietary supplementation of Halquinol on productive performances, carcass characteristics and hematological parameters of Sonali chicken. A total number of 72 Sonali chicks of 07 days old were divided randomly into 04 experimental groups occupying 03 replications in each groups among which four dietary groups were considered i.e. control group (T0), Halquinol @ 0.25g/ kg feed in group (T1); Halquinol @ 0.5g/ kg feed in group (T2); and Halquinol @ 1g/ kg feed in group (T3) respectively. Results indicated that body weight and body weight gain were increased significantly (P&lt;0.05) in birds supplied with Halquinol @ 1g/ kg feed group (T3) compared to the other groups. Higher (P&lt;0.05) feed intake and better (P&lt;0.05) FE were also observed in group T3 compared to the other groups. This result also indicated that body weight, body weight gain, feed intake, and feed efficiency were increased along with increasing dose of Halquinol. No significant (P&gt;0.05) differences were found in dressing percentage, liver, heart and gizzard among the dietary treatment groups. However, the dressing weight, breast meat, thigh meat, and head weight was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher in birds supplied with Halquinol @ 1g/ kg feed group (T3) compare to control (T0) group. Present study revealed that hematological parameters, including Hb, PCV and ESR value of the birds of different groups does not differ significantly among the groups and it was within the normal range. Cost effective analysis of the experiment demonstrated that by using Halquinol @ 1g/ kg feed significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher net profit than other dietary treatment groups and also highest profit over control (14.95Tk.). Based on the results of present study it may be suggested that supplementation of Halquinol can be used as a commercial growth promoter for the production of Sonali chicken.&#x0D; Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. June 2019, 5(4): 316-323

Prototyping an Interactive Visualization of Dietary Supplement Knowledge Graph.

Dietary supplements (DS) are widely consumed. However, most people have limited knowledge about the safety and efficacy of DS. Even though there exists the well-curated integrated DIetary Supplement Knowledge base (iDISK) with a formal knowledge representation, it lacks a user-friendly interface for general consumers to query and retrieve DS information relevant to their needs. Following user-centered design principles, we prototyped a web application, ALOHA (i.e., dietAry suppLement knOwledge grapH visuAlization), with interactive graph-based visualization to facilitate consumers' browsing of iDISK. We conducted a usability inspection and design session with a focus group and evaluated the usability of the prototype with a modified System Usability Scale (SUS). The SUS result was marginal (63.75 ± 7.2 with 1 outlier removed). Nevertheless, all participants agreed that such an application is urgently needed to address the gaps in how DS information (and health information in general) are currently organized and consumed online. These feedbacks are valuable to inform the next iteration of ALOHA.

Dietary Supplements: Regulatory Challenges and Research Resources.

Many of the scientific and regulatory challenges that exist in research on the safety, quality and efficacy of dietary supplements are common to all countries as the marketplace for them becomes increasingly global. This article summarizes some of the challenges in supplement science and provides a case study of research at the Office of Dietary Supplements at the National Institutes of Health, USA, along with some resources it has developed that are available to all scientists. It includes examples of some of the regulatory challenges faced and some resources for those who wish to learn more about them.

Efficacy of dietary supplement with nutraceutical composed combined with extremely-low-frequency electromagnetic fields in carpal tunnel syndrome.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical effects of a nutraceutical composed (Xinepa®) combined with extremely-low-frequency electromagnetic fields in the carpal tunnel syndrome. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty-one patients with carpal tunnel syndrome were randomized into group 1-A (N=16) (nutraceutical + extremely-low-frequency electromagnetic fields) and group 2-C (n=15) (placebo + extremely-low-frequency electromagnetic fields). The dietary supplement with nutraceutical was twice daily for one month in the 1-A group and both groups received extremely-low-frequency electromagnetic fields at the level of the carpal tunnel 3 times per week for 12 sessions. The Visual Analogue Scale for pain, the Symptoms Severity Scale and Functional Severity Scale of the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire were used at pre-treatment (T0), after the end of treatment (T1) and at 3 months post-treatment (T2). [Results] At T1 and T2 were not significant differences in outcome measures between the two groups. In group 1-A a significant improvement in the scales were observed at T1 and T2. In group 2-C it was observed only at T1. [Conclusion] Significant clinical effects from pre-treatment to the end of treatment were shown in both groups. Only in group 1-A they were maintained at 3 months post-treatment.

The adverse effect of doctors’ skepticism toward prescription drugs

PurposeThis study examines the use of high-expertise sources such as doctors to sell dietary supplements and the use of skeptical statements toward approved drugs in the act of selling dietary supplements.Design/methodology/approachThe research questions are addressed by means of a scenario experiment that manipulated two independent variables: expertise (high- vs low-expertise) and skepticism toward prescription drugs (present vs absent).FindingsSurprisingly, skeptical statements from a low-expertise source toward a prescription drug made while selling dietary supplements was found to have an insignificant effect on selling effectiveness (willingness to recommend and perceived product effectiveness). However, when a high-expertise source (doctor) did the same, selling effectiveness was reduced.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper identifies a boundary condition for competitive selling claims of dietary supplements. Doctors are likely to get away with claims regarding the efficacy of dietary supplements until they criticize a more credible prescription drug in favor of supplements.Practical implicationsClaims made by a low-expertise sources and high-expertise sources in the act of selling dietary supplements must be carefully considered. Conventional wisdom tactics may be ineffective.Originality/valueThis paper uniquely demonstrates the role of competitive skepticism at different levels of expertise. The findings of this study suggest that managers, in especially the multi-level marketing industry, should reconsider some of their selling tactics.

Management of stress exerted by hydrogen peroxide in Drosophila melanogaster using Abhrak bhasma

One of the undesirable outcomes of aerobic respiration is development of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and other free radicals. The cellular antioxidant system continuously reduces these into less toxic molecules. A common end product of quenching of ROS is hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), though this too is an oxidant and is further converted into water and molecular oxygen by antioxidant enzymes. We monitored selected indicators of oxidative stress after exposing Drosophila larvae to sub lethal concentration of H2O2. The efficacy of dietary supplementation of abhrak bhasma and ascorbic acid in relieving the oxidative stress, induced by H2O2, was also evaluated in this study. The exposure of Drosophila larvae to H2O2 was found to modulate the activity of SOD and catalase enzymes. The larvae exposed to H2O2 but maintained on a medium free of antioxidant supplement (control) exhibited decrease in total GSH content, GSH:GSSG ratio and capacity to scavenge DPPH free radicals. Overall, supplementing the diet with abhrak bhasma seems to enhance the antioxidant machinery of the Drosophila larvae. The comparable results were also obtained for the larvae maintained in a medium supplemented with a known antioxidant, ascorbic acid.

0923 Efficacy of dietary supplementation of protease and xylanase in plant-based diets on growth performance and health of nursery pigs at 6 to 9 wk of age

0923 Efficacy of dietary supplementation of protease and xylanase in plant-based diets on growth performance and health of nursery pigs at 6 to 9 wk of age