HOSPITAL MENUS

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 52, Issue 3266, 21 May 1943, Page 5

HOSPITAL MENUS

VITAMIN C LACKING NO ORANGES AVAILABLE ROSE HIP SYRUP VALUABLE “It has been found by our nutritionist, Dr. M. E. Bell, that menus, submitted by certain hospitals, show a gross deficiency of Vitamin C in their diets. No substitute for oranges to provide the necessary amount of Vitamin C has been provided in any case, with the exception of a small quantity of temporarily available oranges for the children in some instances,” stated a letter before Tuesday’s meeting of the Thames Hospital Board from the Department of Health advising the use of rose hip syrup to make up this deficiency.

The letter continued: — “Two cases of subclinical scurvy have been reported in one hospital. These have been diagnosed by X-ray of bones and urine tests and were sent in as cases of poliomyelitis. “It can be safely assumed that no oranges from Australia will be available for New Zealand next year as our advice states that the whole of the Australian crop has been comandeered by the Army. “It is estimated that enough rose hip syrup (Vitamin C content four times that of orange juice) would be available for 6000' babies each year but supplies have exceeded all expectations and are available for hospitals. Rose hip syrup of satisfactory Vitamin C content is now available in /12-ounce bottles from two commercial firms. New methods of manufacture have, prevented fermentation in the Vitamin C content of this product. “Your hospital is advised to see that adequate Vitamin C is present in all diets and particularly those for “long stay” cases and for children cases of acute fever and extra for those recovering from surgical wounds.

“You. should order your supplies from the above firms as soon as possible. Further information in regard to a substitute for Benger’s Food and Marmite (Vitamin B) will be forthcoming later.” The letter was referred to the medical superintendent.