Red cell transketolase studies in a private practice specializing in nutritional correction.

Erythrocyte transketolase (TKA) and thiamin pyrophosphate percentage uptake, or effect (TPPE) were performed on 1011 patients between 1983 and 1986. The subjects were drawn from a private practice specializing in nutritional correction as a major therapeutic thrust. Either TKA or TPPE or both were abnormal in 283 (28%). Out of the total number of patients with these abnormal studies 36 have been selected as representative. Their clinical presentation is correlated with subsequent laboratory testing in order to draw attention to the practical value of the test in a clinical setting. These data are presented because of the surprisingly high incidence of abnormal tests, that strongly suggests that there is widespread marginal nutritional deficiency in the United States and that it represents a clinical problem that deserves far more attention than it is presently receiving.