Thiamine absorption in the rat. III. Effect of ethyl alcohol on active absorption of thiamine in-vitro.

The effect of ethanol on active thiamine absorption in-vitro was studied in everted sacs of rat small intestines. Non-adapted, normally fed rats were used which had not previously been treated with alcohol. It was found that ethanol at 1% final concentration significantly increased active transport of thiamine to approximately fourfold. It is suggested that increased permeability of the intestinal wall plays a major role in phenomenon.