PEPTIC ULCERS (GASTRIC, PYLORIC AND DUODENAL)

Abstract

The etiology of peptic ulcer in man is unknown. Heredity, occupation, infections, tobacco, alcohol, worry and trauma of the mucous membrane from hot foods have been suggested as etiologic factors, but are inadequate explanations. The relation of vitamins to tuberculous ulceration of the intestine as demonstrated in our previous studies 1 suggested that peptic ulcer might be due to a deficiency of certain vitamins in the dietary. HISTORIC REVIEW The following data also suggest that peptic ulcer may be related to the dietary. The incidence of peptic ulcer varies in different countries: 0.8 per cent in Russia, 1.3 per cent in North America, 5 per cent in England and Germany and 16 per cent in Denmark. A marked increase in the incidence of peptic ulcer occurred in Russia and Germany during the period of partial starvation which followed the World War (from 1914 to 1918). 2 Hutter 3 stated that