Physiological effects of long-term feeding diets supplemented with potato fibre or cellulose to adult rats

Nutritional value of diets containing 10% potato fibre or cellulose (diets MPF and MC, respectively) and their long-term effects on parameters related to potential health benefits were studied in rats. In a first experiment nutrient digestibility and metabolisable energy of the diets were determined. In a second experiment, each diet was fed to 20 male and 20 female rats aged nine weeks old during 12 (Lot W12) or 24 (Lot W24) weeks. Feed intakes per cage and body weight of rats were registered. In all animals organ weight was determined and in animals of Lot W12 and in males of Lot W24 biochemical blood parameters were analysed. In males of Lot W24, caecal SCFA concentration and body composition were also determined. Testosterone blood concentration was determined in males of Lots W12 and W24. Protein and fat digestibilities were lower, while those of ash, crude fibre and NFE were higher in the MPF than the MC diet. The energy value of the MPF diet was greater but energy intake was similar for both diets. Body weight, body protein and fat contents in males of Lot W24 did not differ between the groups, while body ash was significantly greater in MPF than MC rats (2.64 vs. 2.17 g/100 g BW). SCFA concentration and pool were considerably greater in MPF than MC rats, the SCFA profile being similar. Potato fibre did not affect total cholesterol, whereas it decreased triglycerides and very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) in Lot W12 of both genders, and tended to decrease them in males of Lot W24. Blood glucose and testosterone concentrations and relative mass of prostate were significantly depressed by the MPF diet in males of Lot W24. It can be concluded that feeding potato fibre stimulates caecal fermentation, improves mineral absorption and does not affect total cholesterol levels. The concentration of lipids, VLDL, glucose and testosterone depended on potato fibre in an age-dependent way.