Influence of Diet on Serum Cholesterol in the Chick

• Published in: The Journal of nutrition Vol. 74; no. 2; pp. 171 - 175
• Main Authors: Marion, J.E., Edwards, H.M., Driggers, J.C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Inc 01.06.1961
• ISSN: 0022-3166
• DOI: 10.1093/jn/74.2.171

Variations in dietary protein, energy and cholesterol failed to influence serum cholesterol levels in growing chicks when fed a diet very low in fat. Increases of serum cholesterol were obtained by the addition of corn oil to a diet containing cholesterol. An inverse relationship between dietary protein and serum cholesterol was noted only when corn oil was present in the diet. This relationship was pronounced when cholesterol was incorporated in a corn oil supplemented diet. Growth responses were observed when corn oil was added isocalorically to the low-fat diet indicating that the chicks fed the low-fat diet may have developed a fatty acid deficiency. Greater growth response to the addition of corn oil occurred with diets low in protein which suggests that the protein level of the diet may greatly influence fatty acid deficiency.