Abstract: Novel functional sodium chloride compositions containing sodium gluconate as a substitute for the conventionally employed sodium chloride and being efficacious in preventing hypertension and the onset of complications thereof in the brain, heart, kidney; etc. These compositions are prepared by adding 40 to 400 parts by weight of sodium gluconate to 100 parts by weight of compositions containing 40 to 60% by weight of sodium chloride and 60 to 40% by weight of potassium chloride. These compositions are usable as a table salt for seasoning foods or in imparting the required saltiness to foods such as crackers or snacks. They are particularly appropriate for those who should cut down on the amount of salt in the diet.

Abstract: This invention relates to a bifidobacterium growth promotant comprising gluconic acid, a nontoxic salt thereof and/or glucono-.delta.-lactone as an active ingredient. The bifidobacterium growth promotant of this invention has selective bifidobacterial growth promoting-activity and, at the same time, inhibits growth of deleterious bacteria. Moreover, its rate of digestion and absorption in the upper alimentary tract is so low that the promotant has very satisfactory characteristics as a bifidus factor. Therefore, the bifidobacterium growth promotant of this invention can be used per se or as an additive for various foods and drink to provide functional foods and drinks, thus being of great value from the standpoint of health improvement.

Abstract: This invention relates to a bifidobacterium growth promotant comprising gluconic acid, a nontoxic salt thereof and/or glucono-.delta.-lactone as an active ingredient.The bifidobacterium growth promotant of this invention has selective bifidobacterial growth promoting-activity and, at the same time, inhibits growth of deleterious bacteria. Moreover, its rate of digestion and absorption in the upper alimentary tract is so low that the promotant has very satisfactory characteristics as a bifidus factor. Therefore, the bifidobacterium growth promotant of this invention can be used per se or as an additive for various foods and drink to provide functional foods and drinks, thus being of great value from the standpoint of health improvement.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of treating fish diseases comprising administering a composition comprising a compound of the general formula: ##STR1## wherein R means an alkanoyl group; a benzoyl group optionally having 1 or more substituent groups selected the group consisting of lower alkyl groups and halogen atoms; a phenylacetyl group; or a cyclohexanecarbonyl group as an active ingredient. Also disclosed is administering a food supplemented with said compound to fish, and a fish food containing the same compound.

Abstract: This invention relates to a prophylactic/therapeutic composition comprising a compound of the general formula: ##STR1## (wherein R means an alkanoyl group; a benzoyl group optionally having 1 or more substituent groups selected the group consisting of lower alkyl groups and halogen atoms; a phenylacetyl group; or a cyclohexanecarbonyl group) as an active ingredient, a method for prophylaxis and therapy of fish diseases which comprises administering a food supplemented with said compound to fish, and a fish food containing the same compound. The above composition exhibits beneficial efficacy as a prophylactic/therapeutic agent for fish diseases.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for promoting the growth of growing animals with compounds selected from WS-1627A; WS-1627B; WS-1627C and WS-1627D or salts thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to an antimycoplasmal agent for prevention or treatment of mycoplasmosis in animals comprising an acyl peptide of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is lactoyl-alanyl, R.sup.2 is carboxymethylamino and R.sup.3 is carboxy; orR.sup.1 is heptanoyl, R.sup.2 is 1-carboxyethylamino and R.sup.3 is carboxy; orR.sup.1 is stearoyl, R.sup.2 is 1-carboxyethylamino andR.sup.3 is hydrogen,or its non-toxic salt, optionally in combination with an antibotic.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new animal growth promotant which comprises an acyl peptide or its non-toxic salt as an active ingredient. In addition, this invention also relates to a method for promoting the growth of animals, to a method of improving the rate of weight gain of animals, and to a method of improving the efficiency of feed utilization by animals which comprises administering orally the animal growth promotant and a suitable carrier or animal feed to animals.