Scientific value and limitations of purified diets in animal research.

Guo, Fangrui; Kastelic, John P; Wen, Lixin; Wang, Ji · Cell Metab · 2026

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Purified diets widely used in rodent studies lack bioactive compounds from whole foods that affect gut microbiota and host physiology; this may cause contradictory outcomes in some studies. Prioritizing biological relevance over compositional reproducibility and reassessing dietary models are crucial for improving scientific rigor.

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