A Study of Personality of Normal Young Men Maintained on Restricted Intakes of Vitamins of the B Complex1

Abstract

Various aspects of personality were studied in 8 normal young [male] [male] maintained 161 days on a partially restricted intake of B-complex vits., followed by 23 days of acute deficiency and 10 days of thiamine supplementation. During the acute deficiency, consistent and striking deterioration took place; a psychoneurotic behavior like depression, hysteria or hypochondriasis appeared. Supplementation by thiamine alone produced rapid recovery; individuals with "better" initial personality were better able to resist the dietary stress.