The Relationship of Vitamin a to the Health of Infants

In previous communications 1 we stated that the average diet of artificially fed infants contains an adequate amount of vitamin A. This contention was based on the fact that no improvement in the nutritional status or increase in the immunity to infections was brought about by adding large quantities of vitamin A in the form of cod liver oil, halibut liver oil or carotene (which contains the provitamin) to the diet employed in the Home for Hebrew Infants. The diet used at this institution is similar to that which is generally prescribed in private practice by pediatricians and by general practitioners. For example, from 1 to 2 ounces (30 to 60 cc.) of milk is given per pound (453 Gm.) of body weight, the amount depending on the age of the infant; orange juice is prescribed at the age of 6 weeks, cereal at 4 months, vegetables at 6 months,