VITAMIN B REQUIREMENTS IN INFANCY

Abstract

The infant of today as a routine receives cod liver oil and orange juice, which furnish him with liberal amounts of vitamin A, C and D. Vitamin B is supplied in small amounts in both breast and cow's milk and in somewhat larger quantities when orange juice is also given. At no time is a substance rich in vitamin B given to the infant when he needs it most, that is, at the age when growth is greatest and when his diet is most limited. The normal child develops and grows rapidly during the first year, and most rapidly during the first three months. By the end of the fourth month, the infant has usually doubled his weight, and has tripled it by the end of the first year.¹It is obvious that during this period the infant should receive every substance conducive to optimal growth and development. McCollum