Abstract
The jejunal uptake of labeled folic acid (3H-PGA) was measured in chronic alcoholic patients without definite liver disease. The intestine was perfused through a triple lumen tube with a solution containing 3H-PGA in a concentration of 25 ng per milliliter. Uptake was low in eight patients who gave a history of poor diet during the alcoholic binge that preceded admission (20.4 per cent ± 4.16 S.D.). A significantly greater value was obtained in nine abstinent subjects fed a hospital diet for two weeks (36.5 per cent ± 5.75). The subsequent administration of ethanol for two weeks to seven patients did not change the mean uptake of 3H-PGA (34.8 per cent ± 9.87). This study confirms that the absorption of folic acid is decreased in malnourished, actively drinking alcoholics. The data suggest that the functional defect is caused by poor nutrition rather than a toxic effect of ethanol on the jejunum.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 701-706 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | New England Journal of Medicine |
Volume | 285 |
Issue number | 13 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Sep 23 1971 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Medicine(all)