Rice Diet Research Articles

Innovative 3D printed multigrain rice and silver carp surimi diets: Rheological, textural, and nutritional solutions for the elderly with dysphagia

Owing to the dysfunction of chewing and swallowing, the elderly often face inadequate food intake, which can lead to severe malnutrition. It is particularly important to ensure that they have access to sufficient and nutritionally balanced diets. This study aimed to design a nutrient-rich dietary compound for the elderly, utilizing rice, black rice, oatmeal rice and silver carp surimi, focusing on a balance of carbohydrates and proteins. The effects of different water-to-grain ratios (2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5 times, w/w) on the rheological properties, textural properties, microstructure and sensory evaluation of nutritional compound diets were investigated. Additionally, swallowing grades were classified according to the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI). Rheological tests showed that the apparent viscosity, storage modulus (G′) and loss modulus (G″) of the nutrient compound diets decreased as the water-to-grain ratio increased, which was further explained by textural and micro-structural analyses. Three-stage recovery experiments showed that the recovery rate of the compound with a 2.0:1 water-to-grain ratio (Ink-A) was the lowest, at 61.31 ± 1.79%. The recovery rate significantly increased (p < 0.05) with higher water addition. According to the IDDSI framework, compounds with water-to-grain ratios of 3.0:1 (Ink-C) and 3.5:1 (Ink-D) were classified as "potential transitional" foods with their texture and taste aligning more closely with consumer expectations, and 3D printing shows that 3.0:1 (Ink-C) has adequate supporting capacity.

6656 Frequently sampled HbA1c Shows Low-Sodium, High-Carbohydrate Rice Diet To Be Effective in Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract Disclosure: F.A. Neelon: None. S. Sanoff: None. P. Lin: None. Hemoglobin and glucose react to form HbA1c, which persists until red blood cells (RBCs) are removed from circulation. Since RBCs survive approximately 122 days, HbA1c is usually measured at intervals of months to years, but more frequent measurement can illuminate changes in blood glucose (BG). We used Beach’s equation for the kinetics of HbA1c formation, to construct graphical depictions of how HbA1c should decline over the 122 days after a drop from constantly high to constantly normal BG levels. As part of routine patient care (not an experimental protocol), we measured HbA1c at 2-4-week intervals in a convenience sample of 10 patients (one of whom was evaluated on 2 occasions) with Type 2 diabetes, obesity, and elevated HbA1c who attended the now defunct Rice Diet Program (RDP) in Durham, NC. All were fed 3 meals/day, comprising 800-1000 kcal of rice, fruits, grains, and vegetables (70-90% carbohydrates) and 300 mg of sodium. Two patients were initially taking insulin; 1, glipizide; and 1, sitagliptin, exenatide, metformin; all hypoglycemic agents were eventually discontinued, and none added. Mean initial HbA1c of 9.7% (range, 8.3-11.7) fell to a mean of 6.2% (range 5.3-8.4) after a mean of 82 days (range, 41-139). Variability in final HbA1c values reflects, at least in part, variable duration of voluntary residence at the RDP. In 9 patients, HbA1c declined in close accordance with the course predicted for complete normalization of blood glucose from the very start of the diet; in 1 patient, HbA1c declined slowly for 25 days, after which the rate increased to near that for complete normalization of BG. Plots of Hb1c values extrapolate back through the point of origin, implying normalization of BG occurs within days of starting the RDP, and is maintained thereafter. Data from frequent measurement of HbA1c show: 1) Normalization of BG occurs almost immediately upon dietary restriction, implying that hyperglycemia in Type 2 diabetes is driven by daily calorie excess, not by accumulated calorie excess (ie, obesity). 2) Contrary to some misperceptions, a high-carbohydrate, sodium- and calorie-restricted diet is not deleterious to ― and may actually benefit ― glucose control in Type 2 diabetes. Presentation: 6/3/2024

Effects of dietary paddy rice on the growth, serum biochemistry, intestinal development, microbiota, and metabolism of young laying ducks in a rice–duck–crayfish farming system

This study investigated the effects of feeding paddy rice on the physiology, metabolism, and gut microbiota of ducks in a rice-duck-crayfish (RDC) system. A total of 540 ducks (20-days-old) were randomly divided into 3 groups with 3 replicates and 60 ducks per replicate. The 40-d experiment involved 3 diet treatments: a complete diet (CD), 50% paddy rice + 50% complete diet (RCD), and 100% paddy rice diet (RD). Results show that feeding paddy rice did not significantly affect duck growth, the final weight in the RD group was reduced by 5%, and the feed-to-gain ratio increased by 7% compared to the CD group. Additionally, compared with the CD group, the keel length, gizzard and proventriculus indices, and serum high-density lipoprotein levels increased (P < 0.05), and duodenal villus height and ileal crypt depth (P < 0.05) reduced in the RD group and ileal villus height decreased in the RCD group (P < 0.05). Compared with the CD group, the cecal abundance of Bacteroidota, Prevotellaceae_Ga6A1_group, and Prevotellaceae_NK3B31_group decreased in the RD group (P < 0.05) while the abundance of Firmicutes, Megamonas and Faecalibacterium increased (P < 0.05). Metabolome analysis revealed that serum citric acid increased (P < 0.05) in the RCD and RD groups, whereas cytidine, cytosine, and 4-aminobutyric acid decreased (P < 0.05) in the RD group. In conclusion, these preliminary results suggest that paddy rice supplementation under an RDC system had no significant effect on duck growth, but it did cause changes in intestinal morphology, microbiota, and serum metabolic profiles. However, it is important to note that the limited overall number of replicates in this study contributed to a certain degree of high variance. While the growth differences among groups were not statistically significant, the full replacement of paddy rice still poses potential performance losses. In practical applications, this finding provides a reference for the RDC system, but further validation through larger-scale trials is required.

Abstract P387: Survival trajectories of the patients with malignant hypertension in the Rice Diet Program

Malignant hypertension (MH), severe arterial hypertension accompanied by retinal hemorrhage (Class III), papilledema (Class IV), or both was untreatable in 1942. Walter Kempner treated MH patients with a very low sodium (~200 mg/day), protein (~5% of calories), and fat (~5% of calories) diet with success in some patients. The scope and efficacy of this “Rice” Diet (RD) was not clear. We analyzed data from 563 non-diabetic MH patients treated from 1942-1988. The cohort, mostly male (69.4%) with a median age 51 years and median BMI 24.01 provided several interesting findings. First, the number of MH patients increased until the early 1950s, but then declined sharply by 1955, before effective pharmacotherapy was available. This sudden MH “disappearance” seems real, but is unexplained by therapy or other known events. Second, 341 MH patients showed that median survival more that doubled with RD treatment compared to untreated MH patients described by Keith-Wagner-Barker (KWB) in 1939. Third, the RD-diet survival benefit began after ~90-100 days into treatment. During the first ~90-100 RD days, survival closely tracks that of untreated MH patients described by KWB; thereafter, survival curves diverged substantially (e.g., calculated half-time survival for Class IV increased from 163.5 to 815.5 days, Figure ). Fourth, serial retinal photographs of 359 MH patients, showed that of 343 with initial hemorrhage, 36 of 177 patients surviving at 1 year (20%) still had hemorrhage; of 146 with initial papilledema, only 1 of 76 patients surviving at 1 year (1%) still had papilledema. Fifth, survival curves of MH patients with only hemorrhage or only papilledema were similar; however, survival was markedly shorter in those with both hemorrhage and papilledema, implying that the deleterious effects of vascular and neuropathic changes are independent of one another and additive. Remaining questions concern: why did MH “suddenly” disappear; how does RD impact vaculopathy; what factors impact survival trajectories.

Alterations of Arsenic Methylation Among Young Chinese Adults on a Wheat Diet Followed by a Rice Diet

Alterations of Arsenic Methylation Among Young Chinese Adults on a Wheat Diet Followed by a Rice Diet

Effects of dietary fish oil replacement with rice bran oil on growth performance, serum biochemical index, antioxidant capacity, lipid metabolism and inflammatory response of large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) juveniles

Fish oil (FO) replacement has become a top priority with the increasing growth of aquaculture and the decline of FO production. Dietary rice bran oil (RBO) has been marked with good application prospects and development potential in humans and terrestrial animals. Hence, this study was geared towards ascertaining the effects of replacing dietary FO with RBO in fish feeds. In this study, a 74-day feeding trial was conducted with large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) juveniles to ascertain the effects of dietary FO replaced by different levels (0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%) of RBO. Each diet was randomly fed to triplicate groups of large yellow croaker juveniles (120 fish per group) with an initial mean body weight of 13.02 ± 0.02 g. Fish fed with dietary RBO 25% showed significantly higher final body weight, weight gain rate, specific growth rate, and feed intake compared to other treatments. Also, fish fed diets with RBO showed significantly higher antioxidant capacity compared to the control. Interestingly, fish fed with RBO 25% diet showed a significantly improved serum lipid profile when compared to the control. Moreover, the hepatic mRNA expression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (srebp-1), and fatty acid synthase (fas) was significantly upregulated in RBO 25% replacement, while peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (pparα), was significantly suppressed in fish fed RBO 100% compared to the control. Furthermore, fish fed RBO 100% had significantly increased Interleukin-1β (il-1β), Tumour necrosis factor-α (tnf-α), and Interferon-γ (ifn-γ), and significantly decreased transcript levels of Interleukin-10 (il-10). Therefore, the results of the present study showed that RBO could promote the performance of large yellow croaker juveniles, by improving the growth indexes, serum biochemical properties, antioxidant capacity, and alleviating liver inflammation.

Integrating of the domestic goat into the rice-fish coculture systems: Rice paddy yield, diet, growth parameters, and intestine microbiota of common carp Cyprinus carpio (Linnaeus, 1758)

Feeding the World while ensuring food security and biodiversity conservation is one of the sustainable development challenges. Integrating farming systems holds great promise for enhancing agricultural sustainability. To reach this goal, the domestic goat (Capra hircus) was integrated into the rice fish system. Four plots each 5 m × 10.65 m were made in two experimental systems, goat-rice-fish (GRF) and rice-fish (RF). We compared the impacts on rice productivity, fish growth performance, water quality, dietary patterns, and gut microbiota composition between both systems. On the one hand, the rice yield indicators, survival rate (SR), specific growth rate (SGR), pH temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP) were compared. On the other hand, the frequency of occurrence (FOC) of food items of fish (Cyprinus carpio), and the microbiota communities in goat faeces (GoFe) and fish intestines were also examined and compared among both systems. The results showed that the rice yield, the number of filled spikelets per panicle, the number of panicles per land area, and the 1000-grain weight were significantly increased with the integration of goat in the rice-fish coculture system. The SR of fish under the goat-rice-fish system was 12.12% significantly higher than that of the fish under the rice-fish system, as well as the SGR of fish in the GRF system was 21.85% significantly higher than that of the rice-fish system. However, the water quality analyses indicated that the integration of goats significantly increased the concentration of TN and TP. The DO concentration in the GRF system was 25.93% lower than that in the RF system. Dietary analysis of the common carp in goat-rice fish systems revealed shifts in foraging behaviors and diet composition compared to the rice-fish system. Furthermore, the study showed higher diversity in the gut microbiota communities of fish in response to goat-rice-fish integration. In conclusion, this comprehensive investigation underscores the complex and interconnected dynamics within the goat-rice-fish integrated system. It highlights the importance of balanced management practices to harness the system's potential for improved rice yield, fish ecology, and water quality. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of sustainable integrated farming practices and inform strategies for optimizing the productivity and ecological resilience of this integrated agroecosystem.

Maternal brown rice diet alleviates adverse effects of maternal obesity on offspring metabolism via enhancing DNA demethylation of AdipoR2

The prevalence of maternal obesity is increasing at an alarming rate, with maternal insufficient circulating adiponectin being identified as a crucial link to offspring metabolic disorders. Nutritional interventions during pregnancy have shown promise in mitigating the negative impacts of maternal obesity on offspring health. It is recommended that pregnant women with chronic metabolic diseases increase their consumption of whole grains such as brown rice. However, the specific mechanism through which brown rice consumption by obese pregnant women improves metabolic homeostasis in their offspring remains unclear. Here, we investigated the effects of a brown rice diet during pregnancy on the metabolic homeostasis of offspring exposed to maternal obesity. We found that the systemic energy metabolism homeostasis and the risk of obesity induced by high-fat diet (HFD) in the offspring of obese mothers were altered by the maternal brown rice diet during pregnancy, including reducing systemic and hepatic lipid levels, improving insulin resistance, and protecting hepatic steatosis. Mechanistically, the maternal brown rice diet induced DNA methylation reprogramming in the livers of offspring mice, resulting in enhanced demethylation of the adiponectin receptor AdipoR2 and increased transcription of AdipoR2 mRNA. Adiponectin binding to AdipoR2, regulated hepatic lipid metabolism through AMPKα and PPARα-mediated pathways, effectively ameliorating metabolic disorders in offspring of obese mothers. Our study provides novel insights into combating obesity risk and lays the groundwork for further exploration of the physiological benefits of whole grain brown rice.

Assessment of macro, trace and toxic element intake from rice: differences between cultivars, pigmented and non-pigmented rice

Pigmented and non-pigmented rice varieties (grown in different areas) were collected in China, Yunnan, to investigate the content of macro-, trace elements and potentially toxic elements (PTEs), and to assess the health risk associated with dietary intake. The order of elemental concentrations in rice was Mn > Zn > Fe > Cu > Se for trace elements, P > K > Mg > Ca > Na for macro elements, and Cr > As > Cd for PTEs. Rice with a high concentration of essential elements also associated with a high content of PTEs. In addition, higher content of Cr, Mn and Na were found in pigmented rice. The health risk assessment showed that the daily intake of all elements was below the tolerable limit (UL). Moreover the intake of Fe, Zn and Se was far from sufficient for the nutrient requirement. The PTEs in rice dominated the health risk. Of concern is that this rice consumption is likely to contribute to carcinogenic risks in the long term and that adults are at higher health risk from pigmented rice compared to non-pigmented rice. This study confirms that the lack of essential micronutrients in rice and the health risk associated with rice diets should remain a concern.

Abstract 3045: Dietary Whole-grain Rice Differentially Regulates HDL-associated MicroRNAs And Hepatic Lipase In Healthy Japanese Volunteers.

Background: The Japanese population consumes a diet high in rice. Dietary whole-grain (brown) rice has advantageous health benefits over white rice, largely predicted to be conferred by brown rice bran, germ, and fiber. We have previously reported that high-density lipoproteins (HDL) transport microRNAs (miRNA) and deliver functional RNA to recipient hepatocytes. Here, we hypothesize that dietary brown rice reorganizes functional small RNA (sRNA) cargo on circulating HDL and regulates systemic lipid metabolism through hepatic HDL-miRNA uptake. Methods: Healthy subjects (n=13, 20-65 y.o., 38.5% male) consumed 150 g/serving for all 3 meals of (1) white rice, (2) brown rice, and (3) white rice for 3 days with intervals of 4 to 7 days. At day 4, plasma HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) and total plasma lipids were measured by direct and enzymatic methods. Total RNA was isolated HDL purified by size-exclusion chromatography from human plasma. HDL-sRNA sequencing was completed using NovaSeq6000 (Illumina). HTGL protein levels were measured by ELISA (IBL). Results: Plasma cholesterol, HDL-C, and non-HDL-C levels were not immediately affected by dietary brown rice; however, HDL-C levels were increased after a delay of 10 days. Nevertheless, HDL-associated miR-203-3p and miR-205-5p were found to be significantly decreased in subjects with brown rice consumption compared to white rice. miR-203-3p is predicted to target and suppress hepatic lipase ( LIPC , HTGL). Plasma levels of HTGL were not altered by brown rice, but HTGL protein levels were found to be significantly decreased when the brown rice diet was switched back to white rice, and miR-203-3p levels returned to HDL particles. Conclusions: Dietary brown rice reduces HDL-associated miR-203-3p and miR-205-5p after 3 days and differentially regulates the systemic level of a putative miR-203-3p target gene. These results support that HDL-miR-203-3p functionality may be responsive to brown rice diets and post-transcriptionally regulate LIPC gene expression in recipient hepatocytes. These observations can potentially be used to design dietary supplements to regulate HDL-miRNA function in the liver to control systemic lipid metabolism.

Utilization of Ensiled Cassava Leaf and Taro Mixed with Waste of Soybean Meal as Protein Sources Fed Different Sources of Energy on Fattening Crossbred Pigs

The experiment was carried out at the station of Agricultural Research of Svay Rieng University, and was carried out from 15th April to 17th June 2023 with the title “Utilization of ensiled cassava leaf and taro mixed with waste of soybean meal as protein sources fed different sources of energy on fattening crossbred pigs”. This research has 3 objectives: 1. To compare DM feed intake of crossbred pigs, 2. To compare the growth rate of crossbred pigs, and 3. To compare the feed conversion of crossbred pigs. There were 12 pigs were arranged within 2*2 factorial design through Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 3 replications. The factor with the energy source: rice bran or broken rice and the factor with the protein source: Ensiled taro mixed with waste of soybean meal or Ensiled cassava leaf mixed with waste of soybean meal. The treatments of the study are: T1: Ensiled Taro 30% + Waste of Soybean Meal 20% + Rice Bran 49% + Premix 1%; T2: Ensiled Taro 30% + Waste of Soybean Meal 20% + Broken Rice 49% + Premix 1%; T3: Ensiled Cassava Leaf 25% + Waste of Soybean Meal 25% + Rice Bran 49% + Premix 1%; and T4: Ensiled Cassava Leaf 25% + Waste of Soybean Meal 25% + Broken Rice 49% + Premix 1%. The period of experiment were 60 days only. All data were collected daily such as feed offer and feed refusals. Those pigs were weighed at every 10 days from the starting of the experiment until the end of experiment. The experiments’ results were found that total intake on the energy sources were higher significant differently in broken rice compared with the rice bran (P&lt;0.01) as total intake on the protein sources were higher significant differently on the ensiled taro mixed with waste of soybean meal (P&lt;0.01). Growth rate on the energy sources were higher significant differently in broken rice as compared to the rice bran (P&lt;0.01) while growth rate for the ensiled taro plus waste of soybean meal was slightly high if compared with the ensile cassava plus waste of soybean meal (P&gt;0.05). Feed conversion ratio on the energy sources was better significant in broken rice compared to the rice bran (P&lt;0.01) while feed conversion for ensiled taro mixed with waste of soybean meal was slightly better as compared with the ensile cassava plus waste of soybean meal (P&gt;0.05). In conclusion, the use of the protein source from the ensiled taro mixed with waste of soybean meal plus the energy source of broken rice or rice bran, the pigs were increased on total intake, live weight gain and good improvement of feed conversion rather than the use of ensiled cassava leaf mixed with waste of soybean meal plus broken rice or rice bran. The research outcome indicated that efficiency of protein offering is asked to use the ensiled taro with waste of soybean meal combination with basal diet of broken rice or rice bran on reproduction of sows in the next trial.

Determination and prediction of amino acid digestibility in brown rice for growing-finishing pigs.

The experiment aimed to determine the standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of crude protein (CP) and amino acids (AA) in 10 brown rice samples fed to pigs, and to construct predictive models for SID of CP and AA based on the physical characteristics and chemical composition of brown rice. Twenty-two cannulated pigs (initial body weight: 42.0±1.2 kg) were assigned to a replicated 11×3 incomplete Latin square design, including an N-free diet and 10 brown rice diets. Each period included 5 d adaptation and 2 d ileal digesta collection. Chromic oxide was added at 0.3% to all the diets as an indigestible marker for calculating the ileal CP and AA digestibility. The coefficients of variation of all detected indices for physical characteristics and chemical composition, except for bulk weight, dry matter (DM) and gross energy, in 10 brown rice samples were greater than 10%. The SID of CP, lysine (Lys), methionine, threonine (Thr), and tryptophan (Trp) in brown rice was 77.2% (62.6% to 85.5%), 87.5% (80.3% to 94.3%), 89.2% (78.9% to 98.9%), 55.4% (46.1% to 67.6%) and 92.5% (86.3% to 96.3%), respectively. The best prediction equations for the SID of CP, Lys, Thr, and Trp were as following, SIDCP = -664.181+8.484×DM (R2 = 0.40), SIDLys = 53.126+6.031×ether extract (EE)+0.893×thousand-kernel volume (R2 = 0.66), SIDThr = 39.916+7.843×EE (R2 = 0.41), and SIDTrp = -361.588+4.891×DM+0.387×total starch (R2 = 0.85). Overall, a great variation exists among 10 sources of brown rice, and the thousand-grain volume, DM, EE, and total starch can be used as the key predictors for SID of CP and AA.

Pilot Study of Heat-Stabilized Rice Bran Acceptability in Households of Rural Southwest Guatemala and Estimates of Fiber, Protein, and Micro-Nutrient Intakes among Mothers and Children.

Nutrient-dense, acceptable foods are needed in low-resource settings. Rice bran, a global staple byproduct of white rice processing, is rich in amino acids, fibers, and vitamins, when compared to other cereal brans. This pilot study examines the nutritional contribution of rice bran to the daily diets of mother-child pairs in rural southwest Guatemala. Thirty households were screened. Mothers (≥18 years) and children (6 to 24 months) completed 24 h dietary recalls at baseline and after 12 weeks (endline) for diet intake and diversity analyses. During biweekly visits for 12 weeks, households with <5 members received 14 packets containing 60 g of heat-stabilized rice bran, and those with ≥5 members received 28 packets. The macro- and micro-nutrient contributions of rice bran and whole, cooked black beans were included in dietary simulation models with average intakes established between the recalls and for comparison with dietary reference intakes (DRIs). A baseline child food frequency questionnaire was administered. The 27 mothers and 23 children with complete recalls were included in analyses. Daily maternal consumption of 10 g/d of rice bran plus 100 g/d of black beans resulted in all achieving at least 50% of the fiber, protein, magnesium, niacin, potassium, and thiamin DRIs. Daily child consumption of 3 g/d of rice bran plus 10 g/d of black beans resulted in all achieving at least 50% of the magnesium, niacin, phosphorous, and thiamine DRIs. For 15/17 food categories, male children had a higher intake frequency, notably for animal-source foods and coffee. Dietary rice bran coupled with black beans could improve nutritional adequacy, especially for fiber and key micro-nutrients, with broader implications for addressing maternal and child malnutrition in low-resource settings.

Black rice diet alleviates colorectal cancer development through modulating tryptophan metabolism and activating AHR pathway.

Consumption of dietary fiber and anthocyanin has been linked to a lower incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC). This study scrutinizes the potential antitumorigenic attributes of a black rice diet (BRD), abundantly rich in dietary fiber and anthocyanin. Our results demonstrate notable antitumorigenic effects in mice on BRD, indicated by a reduction in both the size and number of intestinal tumors and a consequent extension in life span, compared to control diet-fed counterparts. Furthermore, fecal transplants from BRD-fed mice to germ-free mice led to a decrease in colonic cell proliferation, coupled with maintained integrity of the intestinal barrier. The BRD was associated with significant shifts in gut microbiota composition, specifically an augmentation in probiotic strains Bacteroides uniformis and Lactobacillus. Noteworthy changes in gut metabolites were also documented, including the upregulation of indole-3-lactic acid and indole. These metabolites have been identified to stimulate the intestinal aryl hydrocarbon receptor pathway, inhibiting CRC cell proliferation and colorectal tumorigenesis. In summary, these findings propose that a BRD may modulate the progression of intestinal tumors by fostering protective gut microbiota and metabolite profiles. The study accentuates the potential health advantages of whole-grain foods, emphasizing the potential utility of black rice in promoting health.

Green banana flour as a novel functional ingredient in retorted feline diets.

Green banana flour (GBF) is a novel ingredient that is high in resistant starch and could be a dietary fiber source in companion animal nutrition. In addition, with its light brown color and pectin content, GBF could potentially serve as a natural color additive and thickening agent in pet food manufacturing. The purpose of this research is to evaluate different sources of GBF, the effect of GBF on texture and color in canned foods, and its effect on apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD), fecal characteristics, and fecal fermentative end-products in healthy adult cats. Prior to the feline study, different sources of GBF were analyzed for chemical composition, manufacturing properties, true metabolizable energy, and fermentability. For the feline feeding trial, all treatment diets were formulated to meet or exceed the Association of American Feed Control Officials (Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) 2020. Official Publication. Champaign, IL.) guidelines for adult cat maintenance. There were five dietary treatments: rice control (4% rice flour), potato control (4% dehydrated potato flakes), 1% GBF (1% GBF and 3% rice flour), 2% GBF (2% GBF and 2% rice flour), and 4% GBF. All treatment diets were analyzed for texture and color. The animal study was conducted using a completely randomized design with 39 adult domestic cats. There was a 7-d diet adaptation period followed by a baseline fresh fecal collection to determine fecal score, pH, short-chain fatty acid, branched-chain fatty acid, phenol, indole, ammonia, and microbiota. The treatment period lasted for 21 d and a total fecal collection was performed during the last 4 d of this period to determine the ATTD. A fresh fecal sample was also collected during the total fecal collection to evaluate fecal score, pH, metabolites, and microbiota. The MIXED model procedures of SAS version 9.4 were used for statistical analysis. Treatment diets containing GBF had a lower hardness from the texture profile analysis (P < 0.05). For color analysis, the 4% GBF diet was darker in color compared with the rice diet (P < 0.05). There was no difference in food intake, fecal output, or ATTD of macronutrients among the treatment groups (P > 0.05). There was no interaction of treatment and time or main effects shown in fecal score, pH, metabolites, or microbiota diversity (P > 0.05). In conclusion, adding GBF to canned diets may affect the texture and color of the product, but GBF was comparable to traditional carbohydrate sources, rice, and potato, from a nutritional aspect.

Dietary rice bran attenuates hepatic stellate cell activation and liver fibrosis in mice through enhancing antioxidant ability

Various endogenous and exogenous stimuli can result in an inflammatory response and collagen deposition in the liver, which affect liver function and increase the risk of developing liver cirrhosis and cancer. Rice bran, the main by-product of rice milling, contains various nutrients which possess hepatoprotective activities. In this study, we investigated the effects of rice bran on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis in mice. Mice were fed a rice-bran-containing diet (10% rice bran w/w) or a standard diet with or without an injection of 20% CCl4 to induce liver fibrosis. Our results showed that feeding a rice-bran-containing diet could alleviate CCl4-induced liver damage, collagen deposition, and expressions of fibrosis-related genes, including α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen 1a2 (COL1A2), and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) in liver tissues. Moreover, consumption of rice bran enhanced phase II detoxification and antioxidant gene expressions, including Gsta3, Gstp1, Catalase, SOD1, SOD2, and SOD3. Treatment with γ-oryzanol, the major bioactive compound in rice bran, decreased the sensitivity of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) to TGF-β1-induced α-SMA, COL1A2, and phosphorylated smad2 expressions. In conclusion, a rice-bran-containing diet may have beneficial effects on liver fibrogenesis through increased antioxidant and detoxification activities. γ-Oryzanol, the major bioactive compound of rice bran, can inhibit activation of HSCs.

One-week sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) grain consumption is insufficient to increase adiponectin levels in prediabetic adults.

Objective. Adiponectin is an internally produced bioactive compound with a protective role against the insulin resistance-related diseases. Finding an adiponectin modifier can play a beneficial role in preventing the progression of the diseases, particularly in the prediabetic patients, as a high-risk population. This study was undertaken to examine the effect of dietary sorghum grain for a week on the plasma adiponectin levels in prediabetic patients. Methods. The study involved 26 (13+13) participants in both control and intervention groups. The control group maintained their habitual diet of white rice, while the intervention group replaced their habitual diet of white rice with sorghum grain for seven consecutive days. In all participants, the adiponectin concentration was measured before and after the intervention period. Results. Most study subjects had central obesity and dyslipidemia. Adiponectin levels after the intervention period decreased from the baseline in the control and sorghum groups including in all BMI groups. The change of decreasing adiponectin level was greater in the control than the sorghum group and in line with greater BMI in the sorghum group, but statistically insignificant. No significant difference in adiponectin concentrations was found among BMI groups. Conclusion. Sorghum grain consumption for a week is insufficient to increase adiponectin levels in the prediabetic patients. Insulin resistance, central obesity, and dyslipidemia may be the confounding variables that alter the favorable effect of sorghum on adiponectin. Longer sorghum consumption or other interventions may be needed to increase the adiponectin levels in people under these conditions.

Millets for Nutrition Security in India

Millets are nutri-cereals, ancient crops, farmer friendly, climate resilient, energy-efficient and sustainable crops. The nutritional properties of each millet are unique but overall, they are nutritionally superior to white rice and refined wheat when consumed in whole grain forms. Millets being rich in complex carbohydrates contain higher levels of insoluble fibre and are rich in vitamins and minerals. Pigmented millets are rich in phytochemicals such as phenolic compounds and are reported to have several health benefits which include antioxidant, antimicrobial and blood sugar and cholesterol lowering properties etc. These were established through in vitro, animal feeding and human feeding trials. In India refined grain-based diets which are deficient in pulses are being consumed. There is therefore a need for alternative cereal staples and this is where millets can help. Processing is known to impact the nutritional properties of millets. Dehulling / polishing reduces dietary fibre, vitamins and mineral contents while increasing available carbohydrates. Such millets are nutritionally inferior as they can increase the glycemic load. Characterization of millet germplasm, landraces for nutritional property and phytochemicals can be helpful to identify millets with superior nutritional qualities. The glycemic index of millet foods ranges from low to high, is unique for each millet food. Inclusion of pulses and soluble fibres in millet foods is helpful in lowering the glycemic response. Continuous glucose monitoring studies showed that finger millet diets as compared to white rice diets produced 18% lower fasting insulin levels. Studies on the drivers and barriers of millet consumption, millet consumption patterns will provide more insights on the preferred forms of millet foods. There is a need for data base on the nutritional and glycemic properties of millets and this can help create a millet food atlas. Collaboration between different stake holders along millet value chain is essential to promote healthier forms of millets in this population.

Lysine-rich rice partially enhanced the growth and development of skeletal system with better skeletal microarchitecture in young rats

Rice is the primary staple food for half of the world's population but is low in lysine content. Previously, we developed transgenic rice with enhanced free lysine content in rice seeds (lysine-rich rice), which was shown safe for consumption and improved the growth in rats. However, the effects of lysine-rich rice on skeletal growth and development remained unknown. In this study, we hypothesized that lysine-rich rice improved skeletal growth and development in weaning rats. Male weaning Sprague–Dawley rats received lysine-rich rice (HFL) diet, wild-type rice (WT) diet, or wild-type rice with various contents of lysine supplementation diet for 70 days. Bone microarchitectures were examined by microcomputed tomography, bone strength was investigated by mechanical test, and dynamics of bone growth were examined by histomorphometric analysis. In addition, we explored the molecular mechanism of lysine and skeletal growth through biochemical testing of growth hormone, bone turnover marker, and amino acid content of rat serum analysis, as well as in a cell culture system. Results indicated that the HFL diet improved rats' bone growth, strength, and microarchitecture compared with the WT diet group. In addition, the HFL diet increased the serum essential amino acids, growth hormone (insulin-like growth factor-1), and bone formation marker concentrations. The cell culture model showed that lysine deficiency reduced insulin-like growth factor-1 and Osterix expression, Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin signaling, and matrix mineralization, and inhibited osteoblast differentiation associated with bone growth. Our findings showed that lysine-rich rice improved skeletal growth and development in weaning rats. A further increase of rice lysine content is highly desirable to fully optimize bone growth and development.

Different starch sources result in distinct responses to diets digestibility, fecal microbiota and fermentative metabolites, and postprandial glycemic response in dogs

The study evaluated the effects of different starch sources on the coefficients of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD) of macronutrients, metabolizable energy (ME), intestinal fermentative metabolites, fecal microbiota, and postprandial glycemic response in dogs. Seven diets containing corn, brown rice, sorghum, potato starch, sweet potato flour, chickpea, and pea flour were evaluated. Fourteen adult Beagle dogs were randomly distributed in blocks (periods) and were fed the experimental diets for 15 days during three periods, totaling 6 repetitions. In general, diets with brown rice and pea had higher CTTAD of nutrients, followed by diets containing sorghum, chickpea, and potato. The diet containing sweet potato had the lowest CTTAD of nutrients. Diets containing corn and brown rice presented the highest ME content. Dogs fed the chickpea diet had lower fecal pH, ammonia concentration, and dry matter content (P < 0.05). Generally, higher fecal concentrations of short-chain fatty acids were observed in dogs fed the sweet potato and chickpea diets compared to the potato and brown rice diets (P < 0.05). Pulse-based diets resulted in a higher abundance of Bacteroides plebeius, Prevotella copri, Blautia, and Turicibacter in feces (P < 0.05). A higher abundance of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Blautia was observed in the feces of dogs fed the sweet potato diet (P < 0.05). Blood samples collected from dogs fed corn and potato diets indicated a greater increase in glycemic peak concentration and maximum glycemia than the other starch sources (P < 0.05). The period until the glycemic peak was longer for diets containing sorghum and chickpea (P < 0.05). The results obtained in this study showed that sweet potato and pulses improve indicators of gastrointestinal functionality, and help controlling the postprandial glycemic response in dogs.