Microbiological studies on materials which potentiate oral vitamin B 12 therapy in addisonian anemia

Abstract

Strains of bacteria were isolated from stomach and jejunal juice of addisonian anemia patients, and most of these bacteria were found to have a strong tendency to absorb vitamin B 12 from solution. Concentrates prepared from hog stomach mucosa when added to incubating mixtures prevented the consumption of vitamin B 12 by the bacteria. Our studies support the theory that typical addisonian anemia is a disease caused by removal of vitamin B 12 from the patient's digestive tract by a greatly increased microbial flora under conditions of achlorhydria and lack of intrinsic factor in the gastric region. Preparations of swine mucosa showing high potency in rendering vitamin B 12 unavailable to bacteria are also rich in intrinsic factor activity, as determined with adequate doses administered along with vitamin B 12 orally to patients, with resultant characteristic hematopoietic responses. Any conclusion concerning the identity of vitamin B 12 absorption factor with the intrinsic factor of Castle awaits chemical purification and demonstration of both microbiological and clinical potency in the purified material.