Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for reducing the postprandial glycemic excursion to carbohydrates by feeding supplemental fructose prior to the carbohydrate challenge. The unit does of fructose required to blunt the postprandial glycemic excursion is from about 2 grams to about 30 grams fructose. The fructose source is consumed from about 10 to about 90 minutes before a meal.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to the identification of several genes involved in the elongation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (i.e., “elongases”) and to uses thereof. At least two of these genes are also involved in the elongation of monounsaturated fatty acids. In particular, elongase is utilized in the conversion of gamma linolenic acid (GLA) to dihomogamma linolenic acid (DGLA) and in the conversion of AA to adrenic acid (ADA), or eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) to ?3-docosapentaenoic acid (DPA). DGLA may be utilized in the production of polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as arachidonic acid (AA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), EPA, adrenic acid, ?6-docosapentaenoic acid or ?3-docosapentaenoic acid which may be added to pharmaceutical compositions, nutritional compositions, animal feeds, as well as other products such as cosmetics.