Workshop on Animal Models Used in Fiber Research

Abstract

Participants in the animal model workshop discussed the advantages and disadvantages of existing models for studying the fate of dietary fiber. Knowledge of both the pros and cons will allow us to use animal models in a more effective way of learning the details of fiber’s effects in the gastrointestinal tract. The choice of an animal model depends entirely on the question being asked. Animal models can answer mechanistic questions and provide tight control of diet and other environmental conditions. Animal models have found widespread use in studies of nutrient absorption and utilization. Other aspects of normal physiology studied in animals and affected by dietary fiber are transit time and gastrointestinal mucosal cytokinetics, hyperlipidemias, and cancer.