Helen S. Mitchell
Helen Swift Mitchell (September 21, 1895 - December 12, 1984) was an American biochemist, physiologist, and nutritionist. She was the author or co-author of more than 70 articles and became the senior co-author of the standard textbook Nutrition in Health and Disease, which was in print for more than 50 years and sold more than a million copies.
Quotes
[edit]- A previous publication reported the occurrence of cataractous changes in the eyes of all rats fed on rations containing lactose as the chief source of carbohydrate. Negative results with other carbohydrates tested led to an investigation of galactose as the next logical step. This sugar was fed to young rats at 35% and 25% levels corresponding to the galactose available from the 70% and 50% lactose rations fed in previous experiments.
Four rats on the 35% galactose ration developed mature bilateral cataract in 12, 14, 14, and 37 days respectively (average 19 days), whereas those on the 25% galactose ration were somewhat more delayed. The average time for the development of mature bilateral cataract in 49 rats fed the 70% lactose ration was 10 weeks, approximately 4 times as long. Controls fed on the 70% starch ration showed no eye changes.- (March 1935) "Cataract in Rats Fed on Galactose". Experimental Biology and Medicine 32 (6): 971–973. DOI:10.3181/00379727-32-7927. (quote from p. 971)
- ... Even minor nutritional limitations during the growing period may prevent full potential growth from being attained. ...
Growth potential is not a thing that can be speeded up and lowed down and still obtain the same end results. According to Leitch ..., if one does not use the full potential alI the way along, one does not achieve full development. The same ultimate weight may be reached but not the ideal shape and composition. If the rate of growth is sufficiently slowed down, the adult is not only smalI but under-developed with normal or nearly normal head size, moderately retarded trunk and relatively short legs. - (June 1962) "Nutrition in Relation to Stature". Journal of the American Dietetic Association 40 (6): 521–524. DOI:10.1016/S0002-8223(21)15915-2. (quote from p. 521)
- Remember that there were no Recommended Dietary Allowances in the 1920's, and every nutritionist had to depend on a few recognized authorities for estimates of protein needs of children. In 1923, Lusk called attention ... to the protein needs for optimal growth in rats which he estimated to be about 15 per cent of the calories. He contrasted that with human milk which provides only 7 per cent of the calories in the form of protein, to provide for the growth of the infant. He also emphasized what Osborne and Mendel had demonstrated earlier that animal proteins were more efficient for growth than plant proteins.
- (March 1964) "Protein limitation and human growth". Journal of the American Dietetic Association 44 (3): 165–172. (quote from p. 165)
External links
[edit]
- Ogilvie, Marilyn Bailey & Harvey, Joy Dorothy (2000). "Mitchell, Helen Swift". The Biographical Dictionary of Women in Science: L-Z. Taylor & Francis. p. 901. ISBN 0415920388.