The Normal Movements of the Colon after Barium Meal in Indians and Europeans

During a radiological study of the intestinal tract in tuberculous patients, it was noticed that the barium passed more rapidly through the colon in Indian patients with no signs of intestinal tuberculosis than was expected from the findings reported as normal for Europeans (Frimodt-Moller, 1943). It was thought that the cause might be found in the different types of diet used for Indians and Europeans, but in the absence of a control material of healthy persons in India, no evidence in support of this hypothesis could be provided. The question has now been followed up by examination of a series of Europeans and Indians, apparently healthy, and the result is reported below. Three aspects of the problem will be considered : first, is there any difference in the normal movements of the colon in between Indians .and in Europeans living in India?