[The effect of cellulose and glucomannan on the absorption of lead in rats].

The effect of two different fibers on lead (Pb) absorption was investigated during two 3-day balance-study periods (day 15th to 17th and 30th to 32nd) of a 32-day feeding course in young rats. Young rats were fed for 32 days diets containing Pb (200 mg/kg diet), with or without the addition of 10% cellulose or glucomannan. The following results were obtained: 1) The total fecal Pb content was significantly increased (p less than 0.05) in the Pb + cellulose group than in the Pb alone group during both balance-study periods. However, there was no significant difference between the Pb alone group and the Pb + glucomannan group. 2) Lead retention was significantly lower (p less than 0.05) in the Pb + cellulose group than in the Pb alone group during both balance-study periods. However, there was no significant difference observed between the Pb alone group and the Pb + glucomannan group. 3) Rats fed on the Pb + glucomannan diet had a significantly heavier (p less than 0.05) cecum and large intestine than rats fed on the other two diets. 4) The concentration of Pb in the cecum was significantly lower (p less than 0.05) in the Pb + cellulose group than in the other two groups. These results indicate that cellulose supplementation reduced the retention of Pb, while glucomannan supplementation had no significant effect on the retention of Pb.