Metabolic Interdependence of Vitamin B1 and Manganese. Reciprocal Neutralization of Their Toxic Effects.

Abstract

Summary and ConclusionsIn rats fed normal adequate diets an excess of vitamin B, in amounts exceeding 30 or 40 times the minimal requirement results in an interference with the capacity of the mother to rear her young and with the nursing instinct. With an excess of 400 gamma this manifestation was pronounced in the parent generation but became progressively worse in the F1 and F2 generation. The young were neglected and eaten in over 90% of the litters in the F2 generation.The toxic manifestations of an excess of vitamin B1 were found to be dependent on the ratio of manganese to vitamin B1 in the diet. The addition of manganese to the diet in amounts of 2 mg per rat per day completely neutralized the unfavorable effects of the excess of vitamin B1 (400 gamma daily). Practically no interference with lactation or rearing of the young was observed in animals which received both the excess of vitamin B1 and manganese as addition to the normal diet during 3 successive generations. Apparently manganese in amou...