The clinical and biochemical effects of riboflavin and nicotinamide supplementation upon Bantu school children

Three samples of Bantu pupils selected at random were given supplements of roughly 0,5, 1 and ],5 times the minimum daily requirements of riboflavin and nicotinamide and compared with another group, aLso selected at random, which received a piacebo. The results indicate a high incidence of detectable protein- calorie malnutrition as well as riboflavin and nicotinic acid deficiency. Supplementation with the minimum daily requirements of these vitamins resulted in a significant improvement when judged by clinical and biochemical criteria. A further experiment (previously published)' has been undertaken in which maize meal was supplemented in an attempt to confirm these preliminary results and also to test whether maize meal would be an effective vehicle for the vitamins