Adverse effect of a sucrose-based semipurified diet on development and postnatal growth of Fischer rats

A commercially prepared semipurified diet (Bio-Serve No. 0006Q) composed of chemically defined ingredients was fed to male and female F344 rats before mating, to females during gestation, and to the offspring after weaning. Compared to rats treated similarly but fed a standard, cereal-based chow (Agway CR RMH 3000), offspring on the semipurified diet exhibited markedly retarded growth. At 12 weeks of age, the deficits in body weight were accompanied by decreased absolute organ weights, increased organ-to-body weight ratios, increased serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and development of hepatic periportal lipidosis in both male and female offspring on the semipurified diet. The deficits in body weight are explained, in part, by decreased intake of the semipurified diet, most likely attributable to its high sucrose content. Investigators are cautioned about the inadequacy of certain semipurified diets for development and postnatal growth of F344 rats.