The effect of dietary fortification on blood ethanol concentrations, caloric consumption, and weight gain during ethanol consumption in mice.

The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of dietary fortification on caloric consumption, weight gain, and blood ethanol concentration (BEC) in mice consuming ethanol-containing liquid diets. These diets have been used previously in this laboratory for ethanol fetotoxicity studies. To achieve these objectives, mice were adapted to a commonly used liquid mouse diet and randomly allocated to one of two experimental groups. One group received the liquid diet containing 4.1% (w/v) ethanol. The second group received the 4.1% w/v ethanol diet fortified with protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Animals in both groups were monitored for weight changes and caloric intake. On days 5 and 12 of exposure (day 0- initial day), animals were sampled for BEC at 3-hour time intervals throughout a 24-hour period. All animals not previously sampled for BEC were also monitored every 3 hours for dietary intake. The animals receiving the fortified diet had a greater caloric consumption and weight gain during the 13 days of treatment than did the nonfortified diet animals. Blood ethanol levels determined on both sample days were significantly lower in the fortified diet group than in the nonfortified group. BEC values in both groups were significantly correlated with ethanol consumption during the previous 6-hour period. In conclusion, dietary modification could significantly alter the outcome of ethanol toxicity studies both by direct effects on growth and caloric/nutrient intake and by altering blood ethanol levels achieved during exposure.