Chromosomal aberrations in malnutrition.

The effects of feeding high (18%) and low (5%) protein diets on chromosomal aberrations in bone marrow cells of rats were investigated. Malnourished rats maintained on low protein diet had significantly higher incidence of breaks and deletions as compared to wellfed rats maintained on high protein diet. Well fed rats showed an increased aberration rate when switched over to a 9% protein diet. On the other hand, malnourished rats showed a decrease in aberration frequency when fed 9% protein diet and still lower frequency when fed 18% protein diet.