Milk composition and thiamine transfer in thiamine deficient rats.

Milk composition was determined in rats maintained on a thiamine deficient diet from the 10th day of pregnancy. Percentage of thiamine transfer was reduced after the 14th postpartum day. Milk composition of thiamine deficient dams 18 days postpartum revealed similar protein and amino acid levels in both thiamine deficient and control rats, whereas milk protein fractions showed some differences. Milk lactose levels were depressed in thiamine deficient rats. Fatty acid content was higher in milk of thiamine deficient than in pair fed and adlibitum controls. The supply of a larger proportion of calories from lipids rather than carbohydrates may have clinical significance.