Marvin R. Thompson

The influence of inositol and other B complex factors upon the motility of the gastro-intestinal tract

Inositol markedly increases the peristalsis of the stomach and the small intestine. Nicotinic acid decreases the peristaltic action of the stomach and small intestine. The other members of the B complex available in pure form, thiamine, riboflavin, choline, pyri-doxine and pantothenic acid, have no apparent action of this type.

The influence of single and multiple B complex deficiencies upon the motility of the gastro-intestinal tract.

A deficiency of either pantothenic acid or inositol produces an abnormal gastro-intestinal picture in the dog which is characterized by: 1. Increased gastric emptying time with pylorospasm. 2. Marked segmentation of both the small and the large intestine. 3. General picture of hypertonicity with hypo-motility. 4. Alternation of ribbon-like segments with dilated loops. 5. Frequent formation of gas. 6. Fluid levels.