Some Observations on Ferric Chloride Addition to the Diet.

Abstract

A specific vitamin for reproduction is well recognized at the present time. This investigation forms a part of a general study of the effect on metabolism of diets lacking, or extremely deficient, in vitamin E.

Waddell and Steenbock 1 state that vitamin E may be destroyed very completely by the addition of 1% of ferric chloride to the diet. Vitamin A was not destroyed by this treatment nor, apparently, did the ferric chloride have any other detrimental effect.

We have found that growth and reproduction are normal on a ration of casein 18.0, salt mixture 185, 3.7, cod liver oil (Squibb) 5.0, wheat embryo 12.0, and dextrin 61.3. Rats remain fertile on this ration for at least 2 years. When 1% of ferric chloride is added to this ration growth is not normal. The results on growth depend on how the ferric chloride is added to the ration. There is practically no gain in weight from the beginning if added in powdered form. Half of the rats were dead at 6 weeks. Many of the animals showed sore eyes suggestive of destruction of vitamin A. When the ferric chloride is added to the ration by means of an ether solution, some growth occurs, but it is decidedly below normal.

Waddell and Steenbock's ration consists of the following: yellow corn 71.5, linseed oil meal 15.0, crude casein 5.0, alfalfa meal 2.0, butter fat 5.0, bone ash 1.0, and sodium chloride 0.5. To 5 parts of this mixture was added 1 part of whole milk powder. When ferric chloride in ether solution was added to this ration so as to give a concentration of 1% of ferric chloride, growth again was decidedly below the normal.