Dietary polyamines and non-neoplastic growth and disease

This review presents the data that are now available concerning the effects of dietary polyamines at either postnatal or adult stages in non-neoplasti c growth and disease. Polyamines provided by food have a potential role in growth and development of the digestive system in neonatal mammals (and fis hes). In humans, this property could be of importance in preventing the app earance of food allergies. Dietary polyamines also seem necessary for the m aintenance of normal growth and general properties of adult digestive tract . Their possible therapeutic effects have been investigated in gastric, int estinal, and, more recently, whole-body healing. (C) 2001 Lippincott Willia ms & Wilkins.