Quantitative Requirements of the Components of the Vitamin B Complex for Lactation and Growth of Nursing Young of the Albino Rat

Abstract

A study has been made of the amounts of various components of the vitamin B complex needed for successful lactation. Following depletion of vitamin reserves, it has been determined that rearing of the young of the albino rat can proceed at a rate comparable with that secured on an optimum stock diet when the following supplements are furnished daily to the mother: 120 μg. B₁ (thiamin), 120 μg. riboflavin, 50 μg. B₆, 15 mg. choline chloride, 1 cc. of a solution of ‘W’ factor equivalent to 1 gm. of liver extract, and 6 mg. nicotinic acid. It was not determined whether the nicotinic acid is really essential for the lactating rat.