Some Effects of Thiamine Deficiency on Food Selection in the Rat

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Abstract
Carbohydrate preference (dextrin v. sucrose) in thiamine-deficient and non-deficient rats was investigated using highly purified diets. An experimental design was employed which would distinguish between a preference due to spontaneous appetite, and one due to beneficial experience. Body weights, food and water intakes were recorded daily. At the end of the experiment which lasted 72 days, tissue and faecal analyses were performed to assess the level of thiamine deficiency and synthesis. Non-deficient rats showed a change in carbohydrate preference towards sucrose with age. Animals showed gross disturbances in carbohydrate preferences, which were not of a consistent character, when they became deficient. These disturbances were shown to be a spontaneous outcome of the deficiency, and did not involve previous experience of the diets.

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