The Influence of Folic Acid, Vitamin B12, and Methyl Donors on White Blood Cell Production in Rats

Abstract

Weanling Sprague-Dawley rats were given a basal methionine-deficient, purified diet. Various groups received this diet with supplements of methionine, choline, or betaine, with and without folic acid and vitamin B₁₂. Rats receiving the basal diet alone developed leucopenia. The leucopenia was prevented by supplements of methionine with or without folic acid and vitamin B₁₂, or by choline or betaine with supplements of folic acid and vitamin B₁₂. Supplements of choline or betaine in the absence of added folic acid and vitamin B₁₂ failed to prevent leucopenia.