The Autosow raised miniature swine as a model for assessing the effects of dietary soy trypsin inhibitor.

Toxicological effects of dietary soy trypsin inhibitor (TI) were assessed in male miniature swine, a model chosen for its similarities to human digestive physiology and anatomy. The TI preparation was extracted from defatted raw soy flour. From 1 through 5 weeks of age, piglets were automatically fed either a TI liquid diet [Autosow TI group (ASTI)] or a control liquid diet [Autosow control group (ASC)].

The new reference daily intakes: for better or for worse?

The introduction of the RDIs was well intentioned. However, there are scientific uncertainties and reasons for concerns about the proposed new nutrition standards. Adoption of the RDIs will inevitably lead to reduced intakes of critically important vitamins and minerals, will make it more difficult for members of nutritionally vulnerable groups to meet their nutrient needs, and will have undesirable effects on the health of the most needy by altering nutrition priorities and programs in this country.

Saccharin.

Saccharin, a nonnutritive sweetener discovered in 1879, has been the subject of controversy concerning its effect on public health on several occasions during this century. Over this period, the substance has come to be regarded as a useful commodity in the dietary management of diabetes mellitus. We review the historical and scientific background on the subject and propose a new approach in making public-health decisions on unique foods that serve a special dietary purpose.

Nutritional adequacy and safety of infant formulas.

The Infant Formula Act contains specific requirements for minimum and, in some cases, maximum levels for a list of nutrients that may be revised as warranted by the development of new scientific information. Formulas are required to be manufactured in accordance with quality control procedures to ensure that the safety and nutritional potency of a formula is built into the manufacturing process. A formula that does not provide the minimum level for any required nutrient shall be deemed to be adulterated and may be subject to removal from the market.

Sudden death associated with very low calorie weight reduction regimens.

We studied the cases of 17 individuals who died suddenly of ventricular arrhythmia after prolonged use (median 5 months) of very low calorie weight reduction regimens consisting entirely or largely of protein. The deaths appeared to be independent of type of medical supervision received during the diet, daily dosage of potassium supplementation, and biological quality of the protein product used. Factors common to all cases were marked obesity at the onset of dieting, prolonged use of extremely low calorie diets (approximately 300 to 400 kcal daily), and significant and rapid weight loss.