[Recovery of vitamin B12 absorption in the late postoperative period in rats subjected to resection of 50% of the distal small intestine].

Vitamin B12 Co57 intestinal absorption was evaluated in rats, determining the % whole body retention, 12 and 28 weeks after resection of 50% distal small intestine with preservation of ileocecal valve. At week 12th, a statistical significative difference in vitamin B12 absorption was found between rats submitted to surgery and the control group (p less than 0.01). On the other hand, at week 28th vitamin B12 absorption values were very close in both groups of rats. This last fact supports the evidence of recovery of vitamin B12 absorption in ilectomized rats.