Eight capuchins approximately
8-12 months old were maintained on diets
supposed to contain all the essential dietary
elements, only the intake ofvitamin D being
subject to variation. Essential fatty acid (EFA)
requirements were suppliedby corn oil (Mazda).
All the monkeys developed skin lesions,
and two were destroyed after self-mutilation. EFA deficiency was suspected from
the symptoms and organ histology. Analyses of red cell membranes andbiopsy and
autopsy samples of tissues suggested a specific linolenic acid deficiency. Complete recovery
occurred when purified linseed oil was added to the diet.
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