Thiamin metabolism in vitamin B6 or vitamin B12 deficient rats.

To clarify the effect of pyridoxine (vitamin B6) or vitamin B12 deficiency on thiamine metabolism, the following two experiments were carried out. In experiment 1, rats were separated into two groups. The first group was fed a complete diet and the second group was fed a vitamin B6 and B12 deficient diet for 25 days. The groups were pair fed. In experiment 2 rats were separated into four groups and fed for 25 days. Group 1 was fed a complete diet; group 2, a vitamin B6 deficient diet; group 3, a vitamin B12 deficient diet; group 4, a thiamin deficient diet. Diet intake was restricted to 10 g/day. Fecal thiamin content increased in B6-B12 (vitamin B6 and B12), B6 (vitamin B6), and B12 (vitamin B12) deficient rats as compared to controls. Thiamin levels in blood, sciatic nerve, liver, heart and kidney decreased in B6-B12, B6, and B12 deficient rats.