Evaluation of a Calcium- and Protein-Fortified Pasta Designed for the Older Population

Abstract

A high-protein, high-calcium pasta developed to help meet the nutritional needs of the elderly was fed to experimental animals to determine whether added nutrients were absorbed and used. To test whether the 17% protein in the pasta inhibited calcium absorption, two pasta diets were fed. To test for protein use, two marginal protein diets were used. For the pasta diets, the higher protein diet produced greater weight gain, fecal measures, carcass protein, and tibia but a lower protein efficiency ratio. For the 10% marginal protein diets, fecal protein and carcass energy were significantly greater for the 10% protein pasta diet when compared with the casein-based diet but the carcass protein was significantly lower. Protein was well absorbed and used from the pasta diets. Furthermore, the 17% protein pasta diet supported adequate rat growth without diminishing bone parameters.