Interactive Effect of Dietary Fat and Fibre on the Growth, Haematology, Serum Biochemistry and Organ Histology in Male Albino Rats

Abstract

Aim: High saturated fat intake poses health risks, while high fibre intake, such as those in corn cob, might reduce these risks. Thus, this study was designed with the hypothesis that high fibre intake would mitigate the health risks posed by high saturated fat intake. Design: A completely randomized design was used for this study. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at the Animal Science Department of Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development. The study lasted for eight weeks. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four (24) male Albino rats were randomly assigned to four treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design (CRD). The factors were either fat (low versus high) and dietary fat (low versus high). Data collected included feed intake, body weight (BW), organ weight (%), haematology, serum biochemistry and the histology of the heart, liver and kidney. Results: The results indicated that neither fat nor fibre affected the feed intake (P >.05). High fibre reduced the BW of Albino rats and improved the haematology and serum Biochemistry profiles (P < .05). The Low fat levels reduced cholesterol levels (P < .05). High fibre increased ALP and Total Bilirubin (P >.05). Dietary fat did not influence liver function test after d 56 of the study (P >.05). Low levels of dietary fat and fibre were ideal for organ health. Conclusion: Overall, the findings suggest that increasing the level of fibre in the diet might mitigate some of the adverse effects of taking in high levels of saturated fats.