Evening star., 1951-09-03
New B-Type Vitomin
Aids Germ Growth
Liver Extract Moy Prove
Help to Humans Health
By Thomas R. Henry

by InomoS n. HenIy
Discovery of new B vitamin has been
reported to the American Association for
the Advancement of Science.
This material, obtained from residues
Of liver from which all other active sub
stances had been removed occurs in the
form of family yellow crystals. 1t has
the ability of replacing other essential
substances in promoting the growth Of
bacteria. This is the only function found
for it up to now. 1t is recalled, however.
that nearly all the growing family Of B
vitaminS have been given very restricted
functions at first but later have proved
of great value in treating human dis
cases.
The new vitamin has been named
lipoic acid, name derived from the
fact that it is highly soluble in fat SOL
vents but soluble only with considerable
difficulty in water The discovery is re-
ported by DR.. Lester j. Reed of the Uni
versity of Texas and associates from the
Clayton Foundation for Research at
Austin, Tex, and the University of
Illinois.
1t is quite likely, these investigators
report, that lipoic acid is the first to be
found of considerable series of growth
promoting substances, all of which will
be chemically related. The existence of
this factor in liver had been maintained
since 1916, but the work of separating
and concentrating it has been extremely
slow Its existence seemed necessary
for certain cellular reactions which had
been observed in various one-celled
animals.
Further Research Going On.
Certainly for bacteria, Dr.. Reed and
his associates believe, this new-found
lipoic acid is an extremely potent sub
stance and in its general effects seems
related to the B family of vitamins.
Further research now is in progress on
it's chemical composition, structure and
biological activity. From bacteria. it is
believed, its range eventually will be ex-
tended to the higher animals and man.
Millet, wheat-like grain which grows
we'll in semiarid regions and which in
the United States is used chiefly as
food for chickens, is being made the
staff of life" in Red China.
Upon the governments success in
making this grain major item in hu-
man diet Chinese communiSm's fate may
hinge to a considerable extent. Recur-
rent hunger unquestionably was one
major factor in promoting the Red
revolution.
This is explained in a report issued
through the American Association for
the Advancement of Science by Dr.. Will
liam H. Adolph, now of the Yale School
of Medicine. but formerly biochemist Of
the Peking Union Medical College.
The grain is even taking the place Of
currency. University professors, for ex-
ample are paid in terms of so much
millet month and students pay their
tuition fees in kilos. Abundant crops
usually can be assured. The major prob
lem is one of food values. These have
been extensivly analyZed.
Does the grain contain enough pro-
teins and vitaminS. compared to other
grains? At present the answer seems
negative 1t is undoubtedly deficient, Dr..
Adolph says in proteins, the nitrogen
containing substances which constitute
the building stones of the body. 1t can
be greatly improved. however, by addi-
tionS of some of the amino acids from
which proteins are built - especially
lysine Now there is a wide search for
some supplementary food rich in this
acid. Analyses also have shown that the
grain is rather low in most of the essen
tial vitamins. although it compares we'll
with other grains in all-important tllia-
mine, the vitamin which is essential for
growth.
New Laws for Milling.
Wheat ordinarily has been confined
to the Chinese upper classes which, Of
course. is contrary to the Communist
philosophy 1t has been possible to do
something about this through laws re-
quiring that greater proportion of the
wheat grain be milled into flour. This
not only assures a greater amount OF
-four but one of more nutrition value.
The mandates for government flour
milling, DR.. Adolph explains have
proved among the most popular actions
of the new government.