Effect of vagotomy on ascorbic acid nutrition in patients with peptic ulcer

In 33 patients undergoing surgery for peptic ulcer it was found that both the dietary and the leucocyte ascorbic acid levels fell below the accepted normal values. Although after vagotomy the dietary intake improved dramatically, this was accompanied by only a small rise in leucocyte ascorbic acid levels. Evidence has been presented that the reduction in gastric acid output after vagotomy might be responsible for this paradox.