Studies on the Vitamin C Metabolism of Four Preschool Children1

Abstract

Four preschool children were studied on various levels of ascorbic acid intake in an otherwise constant diet. After it was established that their tissues were saturated with vitamin C by checking their responses to test doses of 200 mg. of pure ascorbic acid, the level of intake was varied as follows: 115, 92, and 17 mg. were used for 1-week periods, and 66, 50, 43, and 31 mg. for 2-week periods. The 31 mg. level was repeated. Each period on a new level was followed by a test dose to recheck tissue saturation. The results of the study may be summarized as indicated below.