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Studies with Monkeys Fed Army Combat Rations¹

Two Figures

Department of Biochemistry, College of Agriculture, University of Wisconsin, Madison

The army combat rations K, C, and 10-in-1 were fed ad libitum to young growing monkeys. The materials fed represent only a limited sampling since the items included in the rations have been changed from time to time. Therefore, the samples taken from other manufacturing sources and at different times might give results varying in some degree from those reported in this instance. In these experiments, growth and hematopoiesis covering an extended period of time were the 2 criteria used in evaluating the several rations.

The results of the experiments carried out under these conditions indicate that none of the combat rations tested could support growth in monkeys. The C ration could be substantially improved by the addition of a mixture of the watersoluble vitamins. The 10-in-1 ration produced normal growth in monkeys when supplemented with the vitamins plus raw whole milk. The K ration required the same supplements in order to support normal growth in monkeys for an extended period of time.

The supplemented C and K rations could support a normal hemoglobin concentration. Normal growing monkeys on the supplemented K and 10-in-1 ration had sub-optimum hemoglobin levels.

Thiamine, riboflavin, pyridoxine, folic acid, biotin and choline were individually active in stimulating growth in monkeys on the K ration. Niacin and pantothenic acid were inactive in this respect. The effect of thiamine, riboflavin and biotin may be indirect, since specific deficiency symptoms are absent. For the growing monkey, K ration seems deficient in pyridoxine and folic acid, and possibly choline as well.

The subject matter of this paper has been undertaken in cooperation with the Committee on Food Research of the Quartermaster Food and Container Institute for the Armed Forces. The opinions or conclusions contained in this report are those of the authors. They are not to be construed as necessarily reflecting the views or indorsement of the War Department.

Manuscript received 23 December 1947.