When a sterol-free concentrate of the unsaponifiable fraction of wheat germ oil dissolved in petroleum ether is chroma-tographed on A12O3, a liver protective substance is found exclusively in the lower 1/3 of the column; it decreases the death rate of rats on the diet containing purified casein, and protects them from liver injury. The protective action is due to tocopherol. The diet alters the metabolism of the rat and greatly increases the vit. E requirements.