PELLAGRA 367 



satisfactory diet. It must also be noted that the diet is actually 

 consumed. 



As regards the nutritive value of corn, we have already discussed 

 this matter in detail (p. 250). With the assumption that even the 

 whole kernel possesses a low biological value, we are not in accord, 

 since most birds can live on it indefinitely. What happens to the 

 nutritive value of the protein, after certain parts of the grain are 

 removed by milling, we do not know exactly. The reports from 

 Egypt by Wilson (I.e. 1330), Boyd (1379) and Roaf (1380) have shown 

 that in pellagra, the protein assimilation is disturbed, with simulta- 

 neous defects of the sympathetic nervous system. Wilson, in par- 

 ticular, is of the opinion that the biological value of the protein can 

 not drop below 40 grams casein, without the danger of the occurrence 

 of pellagra. As a matter of fact, the pellagra-producing diet there 

 was equal to only 22 grams of casein. 



Most of the observers of the Egyptian pellagra came to the con- 

 clusion that it is related to a lack of an essential aminoacid, probably 

 tryptophane. Bigland (1381) adopted this view, while Enright 

 (1382) saw pellagra in German prisoners who, in his opinion, had 

 sufficient protein in the diet. Based upon Wilson's conception, 

 Chick and Hume (I.e. 460) undertook to produce experimental 

 pellagra in monkeys. These monkeys were given a diet containing all 

 the vitamines, but varying considerably in its protein content in the 

 form of maize gluten. Three animals were kept on this diet, where- 

 upon an erythema on the nostrils and other symptoms developed 

 which were regarded as pellagra, and which were improved by the 

 administration of casein. Since in this experiment, the food and 

 vitamine intake were not controlled, and since the study of a disease 

 supposedly related to a lack of animal protein was, strangely enough, 

 conducted with plant-eating animals, which normally after the 

 suckling period never eat animal protein, we must discount the value 

 of this experiment. 



The conception that pellagra is associated with a lack of protein 

 of high biological value, is in some respects in opposition to Hind- 

 hede's findings and the experience of specialists connected with the 

 feeding of the populations of various countries. In Europe too, 

 during the World War, very little pellagra prevailed despite the 

 lack of animal protein. 



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