The Relationship of the P-P Factor to Gastrointestinal Motility

In a previous preliminary report we have outlined our observations on the effect of whole vitamin B complex1 and of some of its components on functional digestive disturbances. We have studied 65 cases in which the diagnosis of functional digestive tract disorder was made after every attempt to reveal any existing pathology by X-ray examination and appropriate laboratory tests. The principal complaints of these patients have been distress, flatulence (bloating, passage of flatus, borborygmi), and constipation which might alternate with loose stools. Less constant symptoms are anorexia, weakness and fatigue, and nervousness. A group of 45 have been treated over periods of 2 months to 2 years with whole vitamin B complex; 70% of these have shown a satisfactory response to this therapy. The presence of a vitamin B deficiency in this group of individuals was indicated by determinations of urinary thiamin output, which was below normal in 17 of 22 patients. (That is, below 10 I.U. per day.) In parallel determi...