THE EFFECT OF CARMINE UPON THE GASTROINTESTINAL MOTILITY OF CHILDREN

Abstract

The effect of a carmine marker upon the gastrointestinal motility of 7 average, healthy children was studied roentgenograpnically to determine the possible variations which might have occurred during metabolic studies of the same subjects over 8 continuous mos. due to the adm. of a carmine marker every 5th day to separate fecal units. Serial roentgenograms of the progress of 2 barium-milk test meals given each child under controlled conditions, one preceded by a carmine marker, indicated more rapid gastric emptying time in response to the carmine but no appreciable effect was found upon the number of defecations per day or in the total time required for the carmine to traverse the tract. The possible effect of shortened periods of peptic and tryptic digestion could not be detd. by the method of study used.