Metabolic Studies of Vitamin B 12 (Depinar)

Abstract

Conclusions

1. When rats were administered “Depinar” and soluble Vit. B₁₂ both tagged with Co⁶⁰, the group receiving the tannate derivative of Vit. B₁₂ had elevated radioactivity in liver and markedly elevated radioactivity in both kidney and intestines, assumed to be due to B₁₂ Co⁶⁰-tannate complex. 2. This material was likewise excreted much more slowly in urine of both rats and man than aqueous Vit. B₁₂. 3. Serum Vit. B₁₂ activity of normal human subjects administered “Depinar” was significantly greater and sustained a much longer time than those receiving soluble Vit. B₁₂. 4. Whether Vit. B₁₂ administered as tannate derivative is of any metabolic benefit over the soluble form to patients requiring supplements of this vitamin is yet to be investigated.