Abstract
The antiscorbutic properties of various substances related structurally to ascorbic acid have been investigated and reported. We have investigated the antiscorbutic properties of methyl-2-keto-gluconate.
Sixteen guinea pigs, between 250 and 300 gm. in weight, were placed on a modified Dutcher scorbutic diet 1 consisting of rolled oats, white wheat flour, and alfalfa flour. They were fed 3 cc. of orange juice daily for 7 days before the start of the test experiment. During this time they showed a constant daily gain in weight. They were divided into 6 groups.
Group 1. Three animals. All showed loss of weight in 10-15 days, followed by the appearance of scorbutic symptoms. One was fed 3 cc. of orange juice at the 23rd day, but died of scurvy at the 26th day. The other 2 were fed 50 mg. and 70 mg. daily of methyl-2-keto-gluconate starting at the 23rd day, after which they quickly gained weight, lost their scorbutic symptoms, and grew steadily. At the 41st day the supplement was removed, and they gradually lost weight, developed scurvy, and died at the 53rd and 55th day, respectively.
Group 2. Two animals. Began to lose weight at the 10th day, and had developed gross scorbutic symptoms by the 15th and 16th days. On the 20th day one animal was started on 100 mg. of supplement daily, blut died on the 23rd day. The other was given 70 mg. of supplement daily starting at the 20th day. At the 27th day this was increased to 100 mg., and the animal began to gain weight. At the 36th day, when the animal was in good condition, the dose was cut down to 50 mg. daily, and finally discontinued at the 41st day. Scorbutic symptoms developed on the 44th day, and the animal died on the 52nd day.
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