The Effects of a Primary Nutritional Deficiency (Vitamin B study)

Abstract

It has long been understood there is a link between a nutrient deficiency and visually measurable health. In separate studies, Sprague Dawley or Fischer 344 rats were fed diets lacking 100% of one B-Vitamin until a single mortality occurred. Vitamins studied were thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pyridoxine, pantothenic acid, cobalamin and folate. Body mass, food consumption and images were recorded at weekly intervals. Rats were euthanized and liver, kidney, heart and brain samples for histological analysis were prepared. Liver and brain tissues were chosen as markers because of the high need of that organ for B vitamins and the likelihood of secondary lesion development. Correlation of deficiency symptoms with one missing nutrient was explored.