Relation between Vitamin B₁₂ and the Red Blood Cells

Abstract

THE chemistry and biochemical function of vitamin B₁₂ are at present the subject of intensive study. A feature which distinguishes this substance from other therapeutic agents is its effectiveness in very small amounts. While the amount which is adequate for the treatment of pernicious anæmia in relapse varies in individual cases, an initial dose of about 10 gamma (that is, 10⁻² mgm.) is generally effective. The smallness of these effective amounts has aroused comment; but a simple calculation (as follows) shows that the quantities of B₁₂ required appear to throw some light on its significance in the blood picture.