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Early Animal Models of Rickets and Proof of a Nutritional Deficiency Hypothesis.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  22134552     Owner:  NLM     Status:  Publisher    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
ABSTRACT: In the period between 1880 and 1930 the role of nutrition and of a nutritional deficiency as a cause of rickets was established based upon the results from six animal models of rickets. This highly prevalent condition (60-90% in some locales) in children of the industrialized world was an important clinical research topic. What had to be reconciled was that rickets was associated with infections, with crowding, and with living in northern latitudes, and cod liver oil was observed to prevent or cure the disease. Several brilliant insights opened up a new pathway to discovery using animal models of rickets. Studies in lion cubs, dogs and rats showed the importance of cod liver oil and an anti-rachitic substance later termed vitamin D. They showed that fats in the diet were required, that vitamin D had a secosteroid structure, was different from vitamin A, and that ultraviolet irradiation could prevent or cure rickets. Several of these experiments had elements of serendipity in that certain dietary components and thepresence or absence of sunshine or ultraviolet irradiation could critically change the course of rickets. Nonetheless, at the end of these studies, a nutritional deficiency of vitamin D resulting from a poor diet or lack of adequate sunshine was firmly established as a cause of rickets.
Authors:
Russell W Chesney
Publication Detail:
Type:  JOURNAL ARTICLE     Date:  2011-11-30
Journal Detail:
Title:  Journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition     Volume:  -     ISSN:  1536-4801     ISO Abbreviation:  -     Publication Date:  2011 Nov 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2011-12-2     Completed Date:  -     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  8211545     Medline TA:  J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr     Country:  -    
Other Details:
Languages:  ENG     Pagination:  -     Citation Subset:  -    
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