Abstract
Summary
Two means of enhancing Vit. B12 absorption in rats have been described. It was found that certain surface active agents, such as Tween 80, Tween 85 and G-1096, which form a semi-solid matter with an equal volume of water markedly enhanced absorption of Co60B12 when fed by stomach tube immediately before oral dose of Co60B12. The effect was abolished upon dilution of the agent with water before administration. Oral Vit.
B12 preceded by one of these undiluted compounds evacuated from the stomach at a much slower rate than without pre-administration of the compound. Saline cathartics such as hypertonic solutions of magnesium sulfate and disodium phosphate also enhanced absorption of Vit. B12 when administered in the same way. However, when tested with “intestinal loop’ technic, neither surfactants nor salt solutions were able to substitute for gastric intrinsic factor. The possible mechanisms for the observed phenomenon of enhancement of absorption have been discussed.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.