ROLE OF VITAMINS

King Country Chronicle, Volume XXXI, Issue 4566, 8 November 1937, Page 6

ROLE OF VITAMINS

WHAT THEY ACHIEVE. IMPORTANCE OF BALANCE. We scarcely realise that vitamins were unidentified nutritional elements fifty years ago, writes Dr. Irving Cutter in the “Chicago Tribune." True enough, we used them, but with no consciousness whatsoever of their significance and value. To-day infants and children have a much better chance not only for life, but for the development of stalwart bodies, because of our knowledge. Vitamins may be a fad to some people; not so to the physician who is attempting to correct a warped dietary. What are these substances that play so prominent a role in the economy of the body? Vitamin A promotes growth, but, contrary to common belief, does not afford protection against infections, in other words, it does not increase immunity and, therefore, will not prevent colds or influenza. But in so far as it helps to maintain general health at a high level it is one of the essential foods. When it is lacking we encounter gross difficulties, particularly with the eyes, among them trouble with the eyeball, ulcerations of the cornea (window of the eye), dryness of mucous membranes, disturbance of the tear ducts, and what is known as night-blindness (nyctalopia), which makes it hard for patients to see anything at all in a dim light. Vitamin B is composed of several fractions. Absence of one has to do with the derangement known as beriberi (neuritis); another, with some skin abnormalities. Sometimes the gastro-intestinal tract is affected in a very positive manner. The tongue may become sore and one may evince many symptoms of indigestion, such as heartburn and loss of appetite. There is present a relaxed state of the entire digestive tract. Swelling of the tissues (edema) may also be noted. While there is nothing wrong with the heart or the kidneys, many whose diet is deficient in vitamin B will complain of disorders apparently involving those organs. The first component is called B-l, the second B-2, or vitamin G. The lack of B-l induces a chain of undesirable conditions—rapid heart, shortness of breath, pallor, cold extremities twitchings, retraction of the head, and others. It may be difficult, unless a careful study is made, to differentiate this situation from an irritation of the meninges or of the brain itself. We need to make sure that such vegetables as cabbage, tomatoes, turnips, spinach, onions, carrots, etc., are included in the menu. Fruits provide appreciable amounts. Liver, kidney, egg (yolk), wheat germ, yeast, and cereals contain it in substantial quantities.

B-2 G is found in yeast, glandular organs and lean meats, egg (white), green vegetables, and cereals. Its importance is in protecting against certain skin diseases, notably pellagra. Many foods contain both B-l and B-2. A diet deficient in vitamin C permits the onset of a serious disease known as scurvy. With the beginning of long ocean voyages this malady was the chief deterrent to navigation. Of the 102 passengers on the Mayflower many died because not enough vitamin C was available. Later it was learned that oranges and lemons—in fact, most of the green vegetables and fresh fruits—would supply this substance, and bottled lemon juice became a staple article in stores of ships. Tomatoes are excellent sources; then come spinach and cabbage. The next vitamin, D, is necessary in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus for the development of the bones of the skeleton. When D is present in sufficient proportions, normal bony tissue is laid down. A word of warning should be uttered against its excessive feeding, as an ailment called hypervitaminosis may follow the administration of too much irradiated milk or ergosterol. Cases have been reported of deposits of calcium in the heart muscles, arterial walls, and other organs.

Cod liver oil is our standard source, although halibut liver oil contains about twelve times as much per unit quantity. Furthermore, egg yolk, butter, cream, and milk are of value. This is the ricket preventing compound, and it may be given in the form of cod liver oil in very small doses as early as two weeks after birth. If sunbaths are possible, the oil may be omitted.

These vitamins, combined with hormones produced by the glands of internal secretion,, are the basic factors governing the development of a normal body. One group supplements the other and there is an ideal interdependence between vitamins, hormones, minerals, and general foods. Most of us maintain correct balance without giving the subject much thought. Deprive the growing child of any one of these and we face problems of stunted or abnormal growth and other serious manifestations. But we must not rush into the wholesale giving of vitamins. Only where there is evidence that the idea fails to furnish them do we need to brush up on our information and add the missing foods to the menu.