The Sodium and Potassium Requirements of the Rat for Growth

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Abstract
The sodium and potassium requirements of the rat for growth have been investigated, with the following results: The growth requirement of the rat for sodium was 0.05% and it was independent of the potassium content within limits of 0.25 to 1.0% potassium. The potassium requirement was 0.18% in the presence of 0.1% sodium. A high level of sodium (1.0%) reduced the potassium requirement to 0.15%. An initial sparing action by sodium was exhibited provided a minimum amount of potassium was present in the ration. When the potassium was present at less than 0.09%, the initial sparing action of sodium not only disappeared but a potassium deficiency resulted. It was found that the potassium requirement decreased progressively with increase in age during the 6-week growing period. In contrast, the sodium requirement remained relatively constant throughout the experimental period. One per cent potassium had a growth depressing effect. This was not observed in the case of sodium fed at a 1.0% level.

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