The Effect of Folic Acid on the Steatorrhea of Tropical Sprue and Other Tests for Intestinal Absorption

R. Rodriguez-Molina San Juan, Puerto Rico

Search for other papers by R. Rodriguez-Molina in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
,
Marta Cancio San Juan, Puerto Rico

Search for other papers by Marta Cancio in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
, and
Conrado F. Asenjo San Juan, Puerto Rico

Search for other papers by Conrado F. Asenjo in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.4269/ajtmh.1960.9.308
Volume/Issue:
Volume 9: Issue 3
Page(s):
308–314
Restricted access
Get Permissions

Summary

  1. 1. Twelve fat-balance studies were performed in ten documented sprue patients before and during the administration of 15 mg folic acid given orally and daily over a period ranging from 9 to 44 days, with an average of 23 days for the twelve cases. All patients showed steatorrhea during a period of observation before treatment.
  2. 2. Other tests for intestinal absorption such as glucose tolerance, D-xylose excretion, and vitamin A absorption were carried out prior to and after treatment in some cases.
  3. 3. Steatorrhea was significantly reduced during treatment in two patients, and it was increased in two other cases. In the remaining eight, folic acid did not produce any significant changes in the steatorrhea.
  4. 4. Vitamin A absorption improved in four cases and glucose tolerance in two cases. Results of other tests for intestinal absorption (glucose tolerance, D-xylose excretion and vitamin A absorption), though slightly improved, remained below normal values in other patients.
  5. 5. Under folic acid therapy all but one patient showed improvement in general condition, in glossitis, in weight, and in red cells and hemoglobin. The hematologic response to the drug, however, was inadequate in all cases.
  6. 6. Probable factors responsible for the poor effect of folic acid on the blood, on steatorrhea and on the malabsorption of glucose, D-xylose and vitamin A are discussed.

Author Notes

General Medical Research Laboratory, Veterans Administration San Patricio Hospital, and School of Medicine and School of Tropical Medicine, University of Puerto Rico.

General Medical Research Laboratory, Veterans Administration San Patricio Hospital.

Department of Biochemistry and Nutrition, School of Medicine and School of Tropical Medicine, University of Puerto Rico.

Published Online:
May 1960
Cover The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Print ISSN:
0002-9637
Past two years Past Year Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 1733 548 169
Full Text Views 9 2 0
PDF Downloads 6 2 0
 

 

 

 
 
Affiliate Membership Banner
 
 
Research for Health Information Banner
 
 
CLOCKSS
 
 
 
Society Publishers Coalition Banner
Save