[Effect of a fiber-containing dietary formula on metabolism]

8 patients with relative weights averaging 31% above normal values as defined by Broca followed a formula diet for 2 weeks. The diet consisted of 50.7 g protein, 13.6 g fat, 91.3 g carbohydrates and also contained 14.3 g wheat bran and 3 g apple pectin as sources of roughage. The group had a mean weight loss of 5.9 kg (421 g/day). Blood biochemistry estimations showed a decrease in cholesterol from 197 +/- 13 to 166 +/- 13 mg/day (p less than 0.01). There were no disorders of water and electrolyte balance. Transaminases remained within the normal range. No increase in leucocytes and erythrocyte sedimentation rate was observed. Physical efficiency of the patients was tested intermittently on days 7 and 13 by means of muscular training lasting 180 minutes. This did not lead to additional disorders of water and electrolyte metabolism except for a transient increase in magnesium excretion during muscular activity. In the second week the mean weight of the stools was 79 +/- 11 g/day. Because of the adequate supply of dietary fibre no constipation was noted.