While substantial evidence exists confirming the regulation of macronutrient intake, the mechanism by which this occurs is poorly understood. In many cases, interpretation of these data has been clouded by confounding variables due to improper design of test diets. In addition, much work has centered around regulation of protein and carbohydrate intake, but the role of fat has been largely unexplored. We provide some of the first data to suggest that type and amount of dietary fat, fed for a very short time, strongly influence protein and carbohydrate intake. Further, diets are formulated to minimize confounding variables; holding calories and micronutrient levels constant. Studies are described to determine the role of sensory cues and metabolic input by which this response occurs and to examine the time course of the response and the importance of taste receptors. Control from hepatic mechanisms will be tested by examining hepatic metabolism and neural output in fat fed animals. The overall goal of the proposal is to further clarify the mechanism(s) controlling selection of all the macronutrients. These data may be significant to the study of obesity, particularly diet-induced obesity, the most common type in the human population. It is well documented that highly palatable foods of high carbohydrate and fat content can induce obesity in freely feeding rats and that human obesity is often characterized by carbohydrate craving. Understanding the mechanism(s) involved in regulation of macronutrient selection and the role(s) of the macronutrients, may aid in the treatment of this disease.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01DK041817-03
Application #
2141924
Study Section
Nutrition Study Section (NTN)
Project Start
1992-05-15
Project End
1996-04-30
Budget Start
1994-05-01
Budget End
1996-04-30
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
1994
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Georgia
Department
Nutrition
Type
Other Domestic Higher Education
DUNS #
City
Athens
State
GA
Country
United States
Zip Code
30602
Grossman, B M; Hobbs, J K; Edwards, G L et al. (1998) Dietary fat type influences protein consumption in rats given 8-hydroxy-2-(Di-n-propylamino)tetralin. Physiol Behav 63:745-50
Grossman, B M; White, B D; Edwards, G L et al. (1994) Vagotomy and mercaptoacetate influence the effect of dietary fat on macronutrient selection by rats. J Nutr 124:804-9