The Minimum Requirement of Rabbits for dl-α-Tocopherol

Abstract

The minimum requirement of dl-α-tocopheryl acetate for rabbits as determined by the cure of dystrophy is probably about 0.32 mg. per kilogram of body weight per day (calculated as a free tocopherol). The interval of time for which a supplement cured and protected the animal against dystrophy was directly proportional to the total amount of tocopherol fed when this amount was below approximately 60 mg. The reasons for this behavior are discussed. The results of the present experiment suggest a convenient method for administering vitamin E supplements. Sex or age do not affect the vitamin E requirements. Intramuscular injections of dl-α-tocopheryl acetate failed to cure dystrophy.