Vitamin B12 Supplementation: Effects On Some Biochemical And Haematological Indices Of Rats On Phenytoin Administration

Phenytoin is known to have some toxicological implications. Vitamin B12 supplementation during phenytoin administration was investigated to assess the benefits and risks of single vitamin supplementation. This study evaluated the biochemical and haematological effects of vitamin B12 on phenytoin toxicity. Twenty-four experimental animals were divided into 3 groups of 8 rats each. The control (group 1) received distilled water as placebo. Groups 2 and 3 were given 5mg/kg body weight of phenytoin for 4 weeks while group 3 in addition to phenytoin received intra-peritoneal administration of 15μg/kg body of vitamin B12 twice a week. Biochemical parameters such as AST, ALT, ALP, lipid profile and haematological indices were assayed as indices of toxicity. The result of the study showed that phenytoin administration resulted in anaemia which was ameliorated by vitamin B12 co-administration. Phenytoin also increased significantly the leukocyte count upon which B12 had no effect. Liver enzymes activities were significantly (p