DIETARY FmER-UKE EFFECTS OF ORAlLY AD MINIS TERED CYCLODEXlRINS IN THE RAT

Molecular difference of physiological effects of cyclodextrins (CD) was compared with those of dietary fiber in the rat. Animals were fed diets containing either 5 or 10% of CD supplemented with 1% cholesterol. a CD as well as pectin prevented diet-induced hypercholesterolemia, whereas j3 CD increased the weight of small intestine. Modified CD, maltosyl- a, maltosyl- j3 and hydroxypropyl- j3, showed similar effects observed in their parent CD. Dietary fiber-like effects of a and j3 CD might be related to their characteristics of digestibility, being highly indigestible and highly fermentable, respectively.