The Thiamine Requirement of the Albino Rat as Influenced by the Substitution of Protein for Carbohydrate in the Diet

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Abstract
The average daily thiamine requirement of ten, adult, male albino rats of the Wistar Institute strain weighing nearly 400 gm. and maintained in approximate energy equilibrium at 26°–30°C. on a diet containing 64% sucrose, 20% casein, and 10% hydrogenated cottonseed oil (plus cellulose flour, salts, and pure vitamin supplements) has been found to be 33 μg. (coef. var.=8%). On a diet high in protein (64% casein, 19.6% sucrose, 10% hydrogenated cottonseed oil; and representing a 9% decrease in the energy intake), nine of the ten rats had an average requirement of 20 μg. (coef. var. = 9%). A comparison of the two values demonstrates a 39% reduction in the daily requirement. The increase in the urinary pyruvate excretion (determined by the method of Lu) which indicates a possible disturbance in intermediary carbohydrate metabolism has been used as the index of subacute thiamine deficiency.