The vitamin content of raisins,dried raisin seeds and raisin seed oil. 1

Abstract

Commercial raisins are most commonly prepared by drying two types of grapes, the small Sultanina (Thompson seedless raisin) and the large Muscat of Alexandria (commonly called the Muscat or Malaga raisin). When the latter is dried and sold without removing the seeds, it is known as “loose” Muscat raisin. When the seeds are removed the term “seeded Muscat raisin” is applied.

In this investigation studies have been made on the Thompson seedless raisin, the loose Muscat raisin, the seeded Muscat, raisin seed oil and dried raisin seeds. One hundred and fifty-six rats were used in the experiments dealing with the study of vitamin A and the usual technique was employed with the exception that the yeast was fed in pellet form separate from the ration. In all of the experiments the animals were confined in separate cages and at least eight animals constituted an experimental groups, on the same diet. Food intake records were kept for each individual. The raisin materials were mixed (in ground form) with the basal ration, with the exception of the raisin seed oil, which was fed separately.

A total of eighty-three rats were used in the study of vitamin B and the usual technique was followed with the exception that 5 drops of crude cod liver oil were fed separately each day instead of butter fat.