Studies on the metabolism of pyruvic acid in normal and vitamin B1-deficient states

Abstract

The results of a comparative statistical study of the B.B.S. and pyruvate in the blood, milk and urine, of normal and vit. B1-deficient human beings, are given. The pyruvate level in normal human blood is of the order of 0.5 mg./100 g. Maintained raised levels of blood pyruvate seem to be quite specifically associated with vit. B1 deficiency. In the rapidly developing fulminating types of beri-beri the initial level of blood pyruvate is a definite indication of the degree of the deficiency. Several hrs. are required for the removal of accumulated pyruvate after adm. of vit. B1. About 5 mg. of the pure crystalline vitamin are needed in the acute cases to restore normal conditions with respect to pyruvic acid.