Studies of Vitamin B12 in Turnip Greens

Abstract

The presence in turnip greens of a substance with vitamin B₁₂ activity for chicks and for Ochromonas malhamensis was demonstrated. The possible identity of this active substance with vitamin B₁₂ was investigated using paper electrophoresis and chromatography. By these criteria, there was no evidence that the substance in the turnip greens differed from cyanocobalamin. The fact that the vitamin B₁₂-active material was found in turnip greens grown at one location but not in those from another raises the question of its origin. Possible sources of this vitamin B₁₂ were discussed.