Effect of Vitamin B12 and Aureomycin Supplements on Vitamin B12 Liver Stores and on the Development of Anemia in Gastrectomized Rats

Abstract

Ninety days after operation, the vitamin B₁₂ liver content of gastrectomized rats was found to be greatly reduced when compared to that of non-operated animals. The moderate anemia present in the gastrectomized animals could not be corrected by giving vitamin B₁₂ either orally or by injection. Vitamin B₁₂ administered in conjunction with folic acid or a hog stomach preparation as a source of intrinsic factor likewise had no effect in preventing the development of the anemia. However, hemoglobin values were found to be within the normal range in gastrectomized rats fed a supplement of Aureomycin. There was no apparent increase in vitamin B₁₂ liver stores of the antibiotic-fed gastrectomized animals.