METABOLIC DISTURBANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL HUMAN VITAMIN B DEFICIENCY

Abstract

A healthy woman voluntarily consumed daily for 4 mos. a constant quantity of an exptl. diet adequate in every known dietary factor except the B complex which was present in 1/3 the subject''s minimum requirement. The influence of thiamin, riboflavin and brewer''s yeast upon metabolic changes was then observed. During deficiency the blood sugar failed to return to normal within 3-4 hrs. after the ingestion of glucose. Yeast was required to obviate this defect. Bisulphite binding substances did not rise during deficiency but blood lactic acid was elevated and pyruvic acid remained high at 4 hrs. after the ingestion of glucose. Both lactic and pyruvic acids returned to normal following adm. of thiamin. R. Q. was unaltered. Insulin sensitivity developed when thiamin and riboflavin were added to the diet.