Effect of food deprivation on D-xylose absorption test results in mares.

The research focused on examining how food deprivation affects the results of a D-xylose absorption test in healthy mares. The study revealed that the longer the period of food deprivation, the lower the maximum plasma concentrations and slower the rates of absorption and excretion of D-xylose.

Research Methodology

• The researchers conducted a D-xylose absorption test on four healthy mares.
• The mares were deprived of food for varying periods (12, 36, 72, and 96 hours) before the test.
• There was an adjustment period of 13 to 15 days between each test to ensure the animals returned to their normal condition.

Key Findings

• The maximum plasma concentrations after 72 and 96 hours of food deprivation were around 36% lower than those noted after 12 and 36-hour periods.
• Both the rate of D-xylose absorption and the initial rate of urinary excretion were slower at 72 and 96 hours of food deprivation.
• Gastric emptying — the process by which food leaves the stomach and enters the small intestine — appeared to be repeatedly delayed with food deprivation, as indicated by a delay in the peak excretion of D-xylose in the urine.

Consistent Results & Conclusions

• The areas under the plasma concentration-time curves and the quantities of D-xylose excreted in the urine were similar across all periods of food deprivation. This indicates that the same amounts of D-xylose were absorbed despite changes in the plasma curve.
• A 15-hour collection period was sufficient to recover all D-xylose excreted in the urine.
• Consistently, about 9.8 ± 0.6% (mean ± SEM) of the orally administered D-xylose dose was eliminated through the urine during all periods of food deprivation.