Blazing the health trail / by Sir W. Arbuthnot Lane.

  • Lane, William Arbuthnot, 1856-1943.
Date:
1929
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: Blazing the health trail / by Sir W. Arbuthnot Lane. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    of various foodstuffs was estimated by feeding experiments upon birds and rats, and the applicability of the results to man has sometimes been questioned. We know, however, the pro- portion of whole barley required in the ration to prevent beri-beri in the Japanese Navy, and find that this corresponds with the requirements of birds. To provide enough vitamin B in a diet other- wise devoid of it, at least 40 per cent, must consist of wholemeal or some equivalent food- stuffs, such as pulses or nuts. In most house- holds these foods are seldom used, and then only in small quantities. To get enough from eggs, the commonest daily foodstuff apart from cereals, it has been found that almost half the diet must consist of the yolk. Green vegetables and fruits contain very little; potatoes are better, but must be eaten in the proportion of 9 parts of potato to balance 1 part of white flour or sugar, etc. Reviewing the average daily consumption of all the foods supplying vitamin B in the ordinary mixed diet, the total is not sufficient to balance the white flour, meat, sugar, and other foods devoid of vitamin B. The easiest and cheapest way to ensure enough is to use nothing but wholemeal flour in all bread, cakes, puddings, etc. The other alternative, if white flour is pre- ferred, is to include some food very rich in vitamin B, such as dried yeast, in an amount equal to 4 per cent, of the whole diet, or wheat