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Effect of Intermittent Food Restriction on Growth, Food Utilization and Body Composition of the Rat¹

Department of Physiology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York

Weanling rats were fed a high carbohydrate diet ad libitum for 3 days alternating with 3 days during which food was restricted to that required for weight maintenance. Growth rates, food consumption and efficiency of food utilization were compared with that of controls fed the same diet ad libitum. Rates of weight gain were the same for both groups. Experimental animals' total food intake was significantly less than that of control animals at all ages studied. Experimental rats contained significantly less protein and more fat than controls after 60 and 120 days. The differences in body composition were no longer present after 180 days of feeding. During initial periods of rapid weight gain (25 to 85 days) a significantly greater fraction of ingested calories was retained. In animals started on the intermittent feeding program at 55 rather than 25 days, experimental animals reduced food intake but no changes in body composition developed. When a diet high in fat was substituted for high carbohydrate diet, experimental animals at 60 days showed reduced protein without change in body fat content. Food consumption of intermittently fed animals fed the high fat diet was also significantly reduced.

² U. S. Public Health Career Development Awardee K-3-HD 14,904.

Manuscript received 10 March 1965.