Protective Effects of Alfalfa in Immature Mice Fed Toxic Doses of Glucoascorbic Acid. ∗

Abstract

Summary

Immature mice fed a purified ration containing 4% glucoascorbic acid exhibited loss in weight, diarrhea, an unthrifty appearance, irritation and swelling of the anal region and alopecia. These effects were completely counteracted by the addition of dried alfalfa to the purified ration at a 10% level in the diet. The protective effects of alfalfa were not due to its mineral content or to its content of any of the known vitamins. Supplements of casein or cottonseed oil were without beneficial effect. Purified cellulose completely counteracted all symptoms of glucoascorbic acid toxicity; the weight increment of mice fed this supplement, however, was significantly less than that of animals fed dried alfalfa.