Abstract
Male SD rats were fed freely one of the following diets; 65.5% sucrose (SU), 60% corn starch (CS), 10%, 20% and 40% high-amylose corn starch (HAS) or 11% beet dietary fiber (BDF) for 4 weeks. HAS and BDF were substituted for the same amount of corn starch. The weights of epididymal fat pads were significantly lower in rats fed the HAS diets than in those fed the SU and CS diets. The lipid/protein ratio in the carcass was significantly lower in rats fed the 40% HAS diet than in those fed the SU and CS diets. The concentrations of serum lipids and liver triglycerides were reduced in accordance with an increase in the dietary level of HAS. All the variables determined except fecal excretion of total bile acids and neutral sterols were comparable between the 40% HAS and BDF-fed groups. There was a significant and positive correlation between serum cholesterol concentration and the weight of epididymal fat pads or the lipids/protein ratio in the carcass. These results suggest that HAS prevents a rise in both serum triglyceride and cholesterol concentration, and fat accretion.
