The Anti-Rachitic Value of Fresh Spinach

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Abstract
Growth-promoting and anti-rachitic properties of fresh spinach leaves were tested by observing the growth and bone calcification of young rats fed upon a diet devoid of fat-soluble vitamins though adequate in other respects. The spinach leaves were given as a daily supplementary ration. The results show that spinach grown in the open from March to October is a rich source of vitamin A, a small daily ration (0.1 gm. and upwards) encouraging growth and lessening or preventing xerophthalmia. A slight but appreciable degree of anti-rachitic value was demonstrated only in spinach grown in the open in midsummer (May-July); spinach grown in autumn and spring proved to be without effect on bone calcification even when consumed in a daily ration of 1-3 gm. However, if the leaves were irradiated with ultra violet rays from a mercury vapor quartz lamp, they became powerfully anti-rachitic. No diminution in the vitamin A content of the leaves was detected when the spinach was grown in a frame glazed with Crookes'' "A" glass, which has the property of absorbing ultra violet radiations (of wave length shorter than 3780 Angstrom units).