IMR Press / FBL / Volume 4 / Issue 4 / DOI: 10.2741/klurfeld

Frontiers in Bioscience-Landmark (FBL) is published by IMR Press from Volume 26 Issue 5 (2021). Previous articles were published by another publisher on a subscription basis, and they are hosted by IMR Press on imrpress.com as a courtesy and upon agreement with Frontiers in Bioscience.

Article

Nutritional regulation of gastrointestinal growth

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1 Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Wayne State University, 3009 Science Hall, Detroit MI 48202, USA
Front. Biosci. (Landmark Ed) 1999, 4(4), 299–302; https://doi.org/10.2741/klurfeld
Published: 15 March 1999
Abstract

Nutrition can control gastrointestinal (GI) tract growth at many stages of development. Fetal growth of the GI tract can be inhibited by restriction of the maternal diet, decrease of blood supply to the placenta, or partial obstruction of amniotic fluid swallowing. In most species there is an immature appearance of the GI mucosa that is characterized by large, long villi extending into the proximal colon. This pattern usually changes around the time of weaning and can be modified by manipulation of the diet. While total nutrition has a profound effect on GI development, there are specific nutrients that influence the epithelium during adult life. In the small intestine, glutamine has the most important effects and this amino acid is now considered conditionally essential. In the colon, dietary fiber has the strongest influence on mucosal structure and turnover. While it has been assumed that concentrations of bile acids and/or short chain fatty acids are the mediating factors, there is substantial evidence that mitigates against this conclusion. A better understanding of the molecular changes accompanying alterations in GI growth may lead to more comprehensive strategies for improving intestinal function and decreasing the risk of colon cancer.

Keywords
Apoptosis
Cell Proliferation
Cytokinetics
Diet
Nutrition
Intestine
Colon
Development
Growth
Glutamine
Dietary Fiber
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