Influence of a Microfibrillated Cellulose-Pectin Mixture on Growth, Fecal Weight and Gastrointestinal Transit Time in Rats

Abstract

Microfibrillated cellulose-pectin (MFC-P) was incorporated into the diet of rats as a dietary fiber (DF) source and its effects on growth, organs weights, fecal weight and gastrointestinal transit time were examined at three dietary levels (5%, 7.5% and 10%) in comparison with cellulose powder (CP) and cellulose powder+pectin (CP+P). The results were as follows ; 1) Food intake tended to increase as the DF level increased. No significant difference, however, was observed in body weight gain. 2) MFC-P tended to increase the length of the small intestine as its dietary level increased. 3) Fecal output was higher in the CP and MFC-P groups than in the CP+P group and was increased significantly as the DF level increased. Fecal water retention was significantly higher in the MFC-P group than in the CP and CP-FP groups. 4) Gastrointestinal transit time was shortened significantly in the MFC-P and CP-FP groups compared with that in the CP group, and this was more evident in the groups given higher DF levels.