Antirachitic properties imparted to lettuce and to growing wheat by ultraviolet irradiation.

Abstract

Wheat which was grown in the dark (etiolated) was found to have no antirachitic potency. Wheat which was grown in the light and irradiated with mercury vapor lamp conferred protection when fed to rats (10 gm. daily).

The same difference in regard to protective action against rickets was observed in vegetables which were irradiated after they had been plucked. Green lettuce leaves from the market were of no value in preventing rickets, whereas after irradiation when fed in same amounts (10 gm.) they had become antirachitic.

Therefore, in the plucked as well as in the growing green vegetable, irradiation led to the formation of an antirachitic factor.