Author
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Hunt, Janet |
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Roughead, Zamzam |
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Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Literature Review Publication Acceptance Date: 4/13/2000 Publication Date: 5/5/2003 Citation: Hunt, J.R., Roughead, Z.K. 2003. Animal models of human nutrition. In: Caballero, B., Trugo, L., Finglas, P., editors. Encyclopedia of Food Sciences and Nutrition. 2nd edition. London:London Academic Press. p. 232-238. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Experimentation with animals has been fundamental to human nutrition knowledge. Advantages of using animals in nutrition research include: (1) large groups can be studied economically; (2) dietary consumption and living conditions can be carefully controlled; (3) short life-spans improve the feasibility and efficiency of developmental, longevity or multiple generation studies; and (4) controlled breeding reduces biological variability and can allow the testing of specific peculiarities in metabolism. If dietary deficiencies or imbalances are suspected of causing disease in humans, these hypotheses should be tested in controlled studies with animals. Likewise, new dietary additives should be tested in animals to protect human safety. Studies with small animals fed controlled diets led to the discovery of most of the vitamins and essential trace minerals. Because of animal research, nutrient deficiency diseases of humans have been eradicated in many countries. Animal research in the future should help us understand how diet affects disease, reproduction, brain function and longevity. New knowledge for the health of our own and possibly other species should be obtained with an ethical responsibility for the humane treatment of experimental animals. |
