Transgenic animals and nutrition research

Transgenic animals are useful tools for the study of biological fractions o f proteins and secondary gene products synthesized by the action of protein catalysts. Research in nutrition and allied fields is benefiting from thei r use as models to contrast normal and altered metabolism. Although food, n utritional products, and ingredients from transgenic animals have not yet r eached consumers, the technologies for their production are maturing and yi elding exciting results in experimental and farm animals. Regulatory govern mental bodies are already issuing guidelines and legislation in anticipatio n of the advent of these products and ingredients. This review summarizes a vailable technology for the production of transgenic animals, discusses the ir scientific and commercial potential, and examines ancillary issues relev ant to the field of nutrition. (C) Elsevier Science Inc. 1999. All rights r eserved.