Studies of Dietary Restriction and Rehabilitation

Abstract

The effect of food restriction and subsequent dietary rehabilitation was studied on 342 young adult male albino rats. Fifty-four served as controls, 72 for restriction only, and 216 for 95 days of rehabilitation following 93 days of food restriction. The effects of three types of dietary restriction and rehabilitation were determined. The dietary restrictions consisted of a quantitative reduction of a normal diet and two qualitative restrictions, i.e., a modified carrot (low protein) and a synthetic vegetable-like diet (low in proteins and high in salts). The rehabilitation diets included a high protein, a high fat, and a high carbohydrate diet. These diets, which were fed ad libitum, were isocaloric. Data were secured concerning changes in weight, food consumption, and caloric efficiency.