Malabsorption of vitamin B 12 in megaloblastic anaemia among Africans and Indians in Durban

Abstract

1. 1) The absorption of radioactive vitamin B 12 was investigated in 16 African and Indian patients with megaloblastic anaemia due to folic acid deficiency. 2. 2) The mean urinary excretion (6.5 per cent.) was poor compared with a control group of patients with iron-deficiency anaemia (mean 20.3 per cent.). 3. 3) Serial tests showed that definite vitamin B 12 malabsorption was persistent in three patients, while in two others it was temporary, corrected by treatment.