Effect of Carbohydrate on Growth Response to Vitamin B12 in the Hyperthyroid Rat

Abstract

Summary

The failure of rats to respond completely to vit. B₁₂ on a sucrose-casein diet containing a thyroid active material can be overcome by substituting defatted corn meal, corn starch or dextrin for the sucrose. The nature of this effect may possibly be attributed to the intestinal synthesis of other required factors. An explanation for the counteractive effect of corn oil on the growth depression in the hyperthyroid rat is offered.

We are indebted to Merck and Co., Inc., Rahway, N. J., for crystalline vitamins including B₁₂, and to Dr. B. L. Hutchings of the Lederle Laboratories Division, American Cyanamid Co., Pearl River, N. Y., for synthetic folic acid.