ANTI-ANEMIC PROPERTIES OF THYMINE

Three patients with Addisonian pernicious anemia were selected, hospitalized and given a diet devoid of meat and meat products. After baseline hematological studies were made and checked repeatedly, daily large doses of thymine were given orally.

The clinical and hematological improvement in these three patients was in every way similar to that which follows the administration of folic acid to patients with pernicious anemia in relapse. The exact mode of action of thymine is obscure, but it is possible that folic acid may act as an enzyme or co-enzyme in the synthesis of thymine or a thymine-like compound. Such synthesis may take place in the gastro-intestinal tract. The present findings indicate that thymine has anti-anemic properties and a profound effect on the general metabolism of patients with Addisonian pernicious anemia in relapse.