Effect of Vitamin B12-Deficiency in Colon Carcinogenesis

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Abstract
The effect of vitamin B12 deficiency on intestinal carcinogenesis with azoxymethane was studied in male F344 rats. Upon weekly injection of 0.2 mmol/kg body wt of azoxymethane, most of the rats on vitamin B12-deficient diet failed to produce small intestinal or colon tumors. All of the rats on vitamin B12 deficient diet supplemented with 100 .mu.g/kg vitamin B12 developed adenoma or adenocarcinoma of duodenum or colon. The vitamin B12-adequate diet was more effective in producing colon tumors in F344 rats than mixed commercial diet. It appears that vitamin B12 is necessary for intestinal carcinogenesis with azoxymethane.