Effects of Short-Term Pantothenic Acid Deficiency in the Growing Rat

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Abstract
The effect of three, 4, and 5 weeks of pantothenic acid deficiency on the subsequent development of young male rats during the following 7-week period was investigated. Lack of pantothenic acid resulted in arrest of growth in about two to three weeks. Supplementation of the deficient diet with calcium pantothenate led to renewed growth; the vitamin requirement for optimal growth was, however, increased. Despite the pantothenate supplements, external deficiency signs persisted and the adrenal glands of several animals showed typical changes encountered in pantothenic acid deficiency. It is concluded, therefore, that a short-term pantothenic acid deficiency in young growing rats may result in damage of a more permanent nature than believed previously.