THE PLACE OF THE BANANA IN THE DIET

Abstract

Protection against scurvy for guinea pigs was obtained with 5 gm. of raw ripe banana. Optimum growth was secured with 7-10 gm. Baking bananas destroys considerable amounts of vitamin C, but the retention of the skin during baking is an efficient protection. A diet of bananas and milk cured a case of infantile scurvy. The banana had about 5% the value of good butter as a source of vitamin A; neither was it rich in vitamin B, having about the same value as tomato juice. It is deficient in vitamin D. The ripe or cooked banana is tolerated by normal adults, children, infants, and invalids of various types.