Volume 1

First report / Committee on Nutrition in the Colonial Empire.

  • Great Britain. Committee on Nutrition in the Colonial Empire.
Date:
1939
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: First report / Committee on Nutrition in the Colonial Empire. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    193/382 (page 185)
    be regarded as a rich source. Nelson (E. M.) and Jones found that the juice from the upper portion of cane stalks was definitely richer in this vitamin than juice from the lower portions. The recorded results on the vitamin B content of molasses are conflicting. Nelson (E. M.) and Jones found none in blackstrap molasses, whereas Nelson (V. E.) and his co- workers conclude that it is a very good source of vitamin B. Whichever may be correct, however, the vitamin B content of blackstrap molasses is a question of doubtful practical significance so far as human nutrition is concerned since this product is used primarily in the feeding of livestock. In Table 2, the mineral content of sugarcane products is compared with that of certain other foodstuffs selected on account of their high iron content. In general, syrups and molasses are good sources of iron although, as is to be expected, syrups evaporated in copper or porcelain pans contain less than those evaporated in iron pans. Investigations undertaken by Sheets and Frazier(*) showed that sugarcane syrups contain substances (iron and copper) qute potent in the production of haemoglobin in the rat although none of the syrups tested was quite as efficient as calf liver. When sugarcane syrup was fed to anaemic rats at a level of 0-5 mg. of iron daily, the haemoglobin content of the blood increased fromi 5-1 g: to 11-2 B. per 100 Cc. in 16 weeks. From these studies of the vitamin and mineral content af cane juice and crude sugar products, our conclusion is that there is as yet insufficient experimental evidence to decide on scientific grounds whether the benefits to health reported from some quarters as due to the consumption of sugar in the raw state are likely to be real or are only fancied. In areas where the customary dietaries are known to be deficient in iron, however, sugarcane syrups and molasses might find a place as valuable supplementary sources of iron, especially if other foodstuffs high in iron are not available. On the more general aspects of the place of sugar in the dietary, we maintain the already accepted view of dietary experts that excessive coii- sumption is to be discouraged. Over-indulgence in sugar causes disturbances of digestion and absorption thus blunting the appetite for more essential foods. It is responsible for abnormal water retention and overactivity of the pancreas and liver; and, it is urged by many, is a factor predisposing to certain eye diseases, catarrhal conditions, dental caries and diabetes. Cases have also been described of a condition involving high water retentior and dilation of the heart, considered to be due to partial vitamin B, deficiency, caused by excessive sugar consumption(*® * *% 7% *), REFERENCES. (a iNelscon,. ly... and. jones,D. B.-\/. Agric. Res., 1930, 41, 749. (2) Delf, 42. M.~ Lancet, 1922, 202,576. (3) Chakraborty, R. K. Indian J. Med. Res., 1935, 23, 347. (4) Chi, Y. F. and Read, B. E. Chinese J. Physiol., 1935, 95 47. (5) Nelson, V. E., Heller, V. G. and Fulmer, E. I. Indust. Eng. Chem., 1925, 17, 199. | (6) Friedman, W. G. and Holly, K. T. Georgia Exp. Stat. Press Bull. No. 278, roth March, 1928. Quoted by Sheets and Frazier, J]. Home Econ., 1931, 23, 274, and by Sheets and Pearson, Mississippi Tech. Bull. ANo. 22; June, 1936. (7) Sheets, O. and Pearson, R. W. Mississippi Agric. Exp. Stat., Tech. Bull. No. 22, June, 1936. (8) Sheets, O. and Frazier, E. J. Home Econ., 1931, 23, 273.