Magnesium balance in adult cats fed a dry food rich in lactose.
The question addressed was whether lactose consumption would stimulate apparent magnesium absorption in adult cats. In a cross-over study, eight cats were fed dry diets without or with 10% lactose, which was added at the expense of the glucose component. Urine and faeces were quantitatively collected and the balance of magnesium, calcium and phosphorus was determined. Lactose feeding did not affect mineral absorption. The dry matter content of faeces was unchanged after lactose consumption. Urinary excretion of galactose represented 0.2% of the intake. It is concluded that lactose ingestion at a level of 1.2 g/kg body weight has no effect on mineral absorption and on the consistency of faeces in adult cats.
Digestion, absorption, metabolism, and physiological effects of lactose
Abstract Lactose, the main carbohydrate in mammalian milk, synthesized in the mammary gland provides significant contribution to the nutritional requirements of the neonate. Digestion of this disaccharide into usable monosaccharides, glucose, and galactose needs the activity of the genetically controlled, intestinal enzyme lactase. While both molecules may be used for energy, the functions of galactose contribute to the developmental organization for neurological, structural, and immunological roles. It can be used as a building block in the body, for example, for the synthesis of galactocerebrosides, precursors for myelination in the maturing nervous system. Defects in the unique Leloir pathway for galactose catabolism can lead to serious consequences in several organ systems. A number of other substrates for lactase contribute similarly to structural and immunological functions. In human adults evolution has divided the populations along geographical boundaries initially into two Mendelian phenotypes, those who can [lactase persistent (LP)] and those who cannot [lactase nonpersistent (LNP)] digest lactose depending on their ability to express efficient amounts of lactase. However, despite this divide LNP people can digest lactose depending on quantities ingested in single exposures. Excess lactose is efficiently metabolized by intestinal bacteria. The products of this metabolism salvage calories and may contribute to a dairy matrix effect that compensates for possible impacts of milk and dairy foods in those who can consume large quantities without digestive symptoms. The metabolic and physiological effects of lactose are wide ranging. Various studies suggest the impact of lactose on the nutritional value to neonates, energy supply and glucose regulation, mineral absorption, immunity, bone and dental health, as well as possible impact on a number of diseases. However, except for the first ones mentioned, evidence for the several effects is usually scarce, scattered, and often ambiguous. Moreover, lactose effects may act more indirectly though intestinal metabolism by bacteria when intestinal lactase is insufficient, thereby adding to complexity.
The Female Face of God in Auschwitz: A Jewish Feminist Theology of the Holocaust
Introduction 1. Reading Post-Holocaust Theology from a Feminist Perspective 2. The Hiding of God's Face in Auschwitz 3. Feminist Intimations of the Holy in Auschwitz 4. Face to Face (with God) in Auschwitz 5. A Mother/God in Auschwitz 6. The Redemption of God in Auschwitz 7. The Princess and the City of Death: A Feminist Maaseh, after Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav. Notes. Select Glossary of Hebrew and Yiddish Terms