The Bacterial Assay of Riboflavin in the Urine and Tissues of Normal and Depleted Dogs and Rats

Abstract

By the use of Lactobacillus casei a definite reduction of riboflavin was demonstrated in the urine of depleted dogs and rats as compared to controls on stock diets or on basal diets adequately supplemented with riboflavin. In dogs this depletion was observed before significant symptoms of riboflavin deficiency appeared. The riboflavin content of several tissues of depleted dogs and rats was also reduced. The bacterial method of Snell and Strong for the assay of riboflavin is a useful adjunct in determining the nutritional status of dogs and rats.