INCREASED ERYTHROCYTE DESTRUCTION ON A HIGH FAT DIET

Abstract

In five internal bile-fistula dogs the daily total bilirubin output was significantly higher on high fat diets than on calorically equivalent low fat diets. This effect was also demonstrated in 2 external bile-fistula dogs. These findings indicate that red blood cell destruction proceeds at a faster rate on a high fat diet than on a low fat diet; this effect is probably caused by the introduction of a hemolytic substance into the blood stream by way of the lymphatics. These sequelae of the ingestion of fat are probably one mechanism for normal red blood cell destruction in dogs. Calculations from the avg. daily bilirubin output in this series indicate that the avg. life of the red blood cell in dogs approaches 200 days.