Abstracts of Communications

The document presented findings from various studies, including one on Cashmere goats where prolactin increased hair shaft elongation in secondary hair follicles, suggesting a direct action on hair growth. In humans, a study with 20 volunteers showed that a fruit-based soft drink did not significantly affect blood acid-base status or urinary excretion of calcium and magnesium. In rats, dietary lipids, including fish oil, affected growth and tissue size, with fish oil showing potential health benefits. Other studies highlighted the impact of dietary fats on health, such as lower serum cholesterol levels with certain diets and increased cell membrane fluidity with fish oil supplementation. A survey in North Glasgow showed increased oily fish consumption, and fish was identified as a significant source of dietary selenium. These studies suggested that dietary choices, particularly fat type, could influence health outcomes.