The Utilization of Energy Producing Nutriment and Protein as Affected by Individual Nutrient Deficiencies

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The effects of vitamin B deficiency on the utilization of food energy and protein were studied in growth, metabolism and body analysis experiments, by the paired feeding method, with the albino rat. Observations were made, 1) of the dry matter, ether extract, nitrogen and energy in the bodies of the experimental animals, 2) of the nitrogen, carbon and energy of the urine, 3) of the nitrogen and energy of the feces, and 4) of the body temperatures. The effects of vitamin B deficiency were: 1) a specific depressing effect on appetite, but no certainly significant influence on gain in weight per unit of food; 2) a decided decrease in the quantities of fat and energy gained; 3) a lower body temperature; 4) a slight increase in digestibility of protein, but no effect on the digestibility of energy-producing nutriment; 5) a diminished efficiency of utilization of metabolizable energy for body gain; 6) an increased energy outgo, as urine and heat, and an increased ratio of carbon to nitrogen, in the urine; and 7) an apparent depression of the oxidative processes of the organism.