VITAMIN E AND VITAMIN B6

Abstract

Recent experiments on animals 1 have suggested the possibility that muscular dystrophy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis might be deficiency diseases. In some clinics therapeutic trials with vitamin E preparations and vitamin B 6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride) appear to have justified this conclusion. 2 Because the problem of the etiology and treatment of these disorders is one of considerable importance and because it is complicated by the absence of a clear demonstration that a deficiency of either vitamin E or vitamin B 6 exists in these conditions, we are presenting our observations, which have failed to indicate that added amounts of these vitamins are of benefit to patients with muscular dystrophy or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Similar results as far as vitamin E (synthetic tocopherol) is concerned have recently been reported by Shelden, Butt and Woltman. 3 MATERIAL With two exceptions the subjects of this study were patients at either the Neurological Institute