Sparing effect of folic acid deficiency on the development of vitamin B12 deficiency in baboons fed a vitamin B12 deficient diet.

The effect of a vitamin B12 and folic acid deficient diet on juvenile and adolescent baboons (Papio cynocephalus anubis) was studied. The baboons developed clinical and hematological signs characteristics of folacin deficiency, although they were less severe in juvenile baboons. The signs disappeared when folic acid was replaced in the diet. The serum vitamin B12 levels increased in all baboons fed the vitamin B12 and folic acid deficient diet. When folic acid was added to the diet, the levels gradually decreased in adolescent baboons, liver vitamin B12 levels decreased to a lesser extent when fed a vitamin B12 and folic acid deficient diet than when fed a vitamin B12 deficient diet. In juvenile baboons fed a vitamin B12 and folic acid deficient diet, for 7 months and a vitamin B12 deficient diet for a further 11 months, liver vitamin B12 levels did not decrease at any time but were similar to those in baboons fed a vitamin B12 and folic acid supplemented diet.