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The Influence of Pteroylglutamic Acid (A Member of the Vitamin M Group) on the Absorption of Vitamin A and Carotene by Patients with Sprue¹

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Departments of Medicine and Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville; and Tennessee Department of Public Health, Nashville

Serum carotene and vitamin A levels in 4 cases of sprue treated with pteroylglutamic acid (PGA) are reported. It was found that the low serum carotene levels observed in relapse were gradually increased following therapy. The carotene returned to its previous low level during the relapse of one patient following withholding of PGA, and again rose after a second period of therapy with PGA.

Following therapy with PGA an improved ability to absorb vitamin A is indicated by a rise in serum vitamin A following the administration of an oral test dose. The fact that this curve reverted to a typical flat curve during a relapse after the withdrawal of treatment is further evidence of the influence of this factor on the absorption of fat-soluble substances.

It is suggested that the M group of vitamins plays an important role in the normal physiology of the gastrointestinal tract.

Manuscript received 24 September 1946.