Olestra dose response on fat-soluble and water-soluble nutrients in the pig

Groups of weanling pigs were fed a purified diet containing graded concentrations of olestra ranging from 1.1 to 7.7% (wt/wt) and the NRC's requirements for micronutrients for 12 wk. Each group consisted of 12 pigs, with the exception of the control group, which had 20, with equal numbers of females and castrated males. The purpose of the study was to determine the dose-response effects of olestra on fat-soluble vitamins and selected water-soluble micronutrients. At wk 0, 4, 8 and 12, hematology, clinical chemistry and blood concentrations of vitamins A, E, K and B12, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, folate, calcium, iron, zinc and adipose concentration of vitamin E were measured. Cumulative weight gain and feed efficiency were determined weekly. Prothrombin time was measured weekly for the control group and the groups fed 5.5 or 7.7% olestra, and monthly for other groups. Liver concentrations of vitamins A, E, and B12 and iron and bone concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, zinc and ash were measured for 12 pigs killed at wk 0 and for all animals at wk 12. By wk 12, the pigs were eating from 20 to 155 g/d of olestra. Olestra did not affect the pigs' growth or feed efficiency, indicating that the digestion and absorption of macronutrients were unaffected. Olestra reduced tissue concentrations of vitamin A, vitamin E and 25-hydroxyergocalciferol in a dose-responsive manner but did not affect prothrombin time. Olestra had no effect on the status of folate, vitamin B12, zinc or iron. Statistically reduced liver concentrations of vitamin B12 and iron in groups fed 5.5 or 7.7% olestra and a significant trend in bone ash content with olestra intake were possibly due to the poor vitamin A and/or vitamin E status of the pigs.