Vitamin B12 and Transmethylation in the Baby Pig.

Abstract

The effect of vit. B12 on choline synthesis by transmethylation from methionine was studied in 2- to 3-day-old baby pigs fed an alpha-protein synthetic milk ration containing 1.6% methionine, a level previously shown to be adequate for choline synthesis in the presence of vit. B12. One group of the animals received in addition 0.1% dimethylaminoethanol. Growth data and liver B12 content showed marked difference between the deficient and the group receiving vit. B12. The deficiency did not influence the level of choline in the liver nor the excretion of urinary choline. Histologicai examination of livers and kidneys did not reveal the fatty infiltration or renal damage characteristic of a choline deficiency. From this study it appears that in the pig vit. B12 is not involved in synthesis of choline from methionine.