Tissue vitamin B12 levels in bat sucklings (Rousettus aegyptiacus) born of vitamin B12 deficient mothers.

The weights of the brains of vitamin B12-deficient baby bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus, 4-20 day old) were slightly lower than those of B12-replete infant bats. Liver and kidney organ weights were similar in the two groups. Brain and liver B12 levels of B12-deficient baby bats were significantly lower than those of replete controls. Kidney B12 levels in deficient babies were about one quarter those of the replete babies. Brain vitamin B12 levels in B12-deficient sucklings were significantly lower than those of B12-deficient adult bats (P less than 0.01). These findings reinforce the need for adequate vitamin B12 nutrition in pregnant and lactating animals.