Effect of nutritional formulas on tissue protein reserve, serum levels of total protein, albumin, and body weight in an experimental model of food restriction

Gómez Avellaneda G.E.; Barrón Pastor H.J.; Dora Moscoso J.M. · Nutricion Clinica y Dietetica Hospitalaria (2026) · DOI: 10.12873/ncdh-2026-96

Resumen

Introduction: Severe dietary restriction depletes visceral and muscle protein reserves, compromising serum protein synthesis. In this clinical scenario, effective recovery of nutritional status depends on the prescription of specific formulas that ensure the coverage of energy and protein requirements. Objective: To determine the effect of nutritional formulas on tissue protein reserves, serum levels of total protein, albumin, and body weight in an experimental model of dietary restriction. Materials and Methods: An in vivo experimental study (animal model) was conducted in Wistar rats distributed into four groups (n=7): a control group (standard diet D) and three experimental groups (A, B, and C). The study design comprised an initial adaptation phase, followed by a six-week intervention period. During this period, the experimental animals received the specialized formulas under a controlled dietary restriction regimen of 50% of their energy requirement. Finally, weight changes, serum levels of total protein, serum albumin, and protein reserve concentration in liver and muscle tissue were determined (p<0.05). Results: At the end of the dietary restriction phase, a significant decrease in body mass and total protein levels was observed in all experimental units (p < 0.05). After the intervention period, Formula C specifically optimized serum albumin levels. However, Formula A demonstrated greater biological efficacy, showing a higher trend in total serum protein and the maximum protein concentration in liver and muscle tissue compared to the other groups. Unlike the control group and Formulas B and C, Formula A achieved the restoration of tissue nitrogen stores, reaching values comparable to baseline levels prior to restriction. Conclusion: The nutritional interventions exhibited differential effects on the evaluated indicators. Formula C specifically optimized serum albumin. However, Formula A demonstrated the greatest overall efficacy, maximizing protein concentration in liver tissue and significantly increasing total serum protein. Furthermore, regarding weight gain, this formula proved to be the most effective specialized strategy, ranking second only to the control group in body weight gain under dietary restriction.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos; Universidad Privada Norbert Wiener