Discrimination learning in ascorbic acid-deficient guinea pigs

PAULING 1 has suggested that a high intake of vitamin C may be necessary for optimum cerebral function including learning and memory. We have tested this hypothesis in a preliminary way by comparing maze learning in two groups of guinea pigs: those receiving large supplements of ascorbic acid (the ‘control’ group) and those receiving a daily quantity of the vitamin sufficient to maintain a concentration in the brain at approximately 25% that of the controls (the ‘deficient’ group).