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Intrinsic factor

Updated: 9/27/2023
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13y ago

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Definition

Intrinsic factor is a protein produced by cells in the stomach lining. It is needed for the intestines to absorb vitamin B12efficiently.

Information

In a disease called pernicious anemia, immune system damage to the stomach lining can cause a lack (deficiency) of intrinsic factor. Pernicious anemia causes vitamin B12 deficiency, which leads to a low red blood cell count (anemia).

Intrinsic factor deficiencies can also be caused by other reasons, such as:

  • Inherited conditions
  • Other diseases
  • Surgical removal of the stomach
References

Antony AC. Megaloblastic anemia. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 170.

Antony AC. Megaloblastic anemia. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ, Shattil SS, et al., eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2008:chap 39.

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13y ago
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Wiki User

12y ago
Definition

Intrinsic factor is a protein that helps your intestines absorb vitamin B12. It is made by cells in the stomach lining.

Information

Intrinsic factor is an important protein that helps your body absorb vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is needed for red blood cells to form and grow.

Some people do not make enough intrinsic factor or have a condition that destroys it. If your body does not make enough intrinsic factor, you can develop a type of vitamin B12 deficiency called pernicious anemia.

Surgical removal of the stomach and certain other health conditions can also cause you to stop making intrinsic factor.

References

Antony AC. Megaloblastic anemias. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 167.

Antony AC. Megaloblastic anemia. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ, Shattil SS, et al., eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2008:chap 39.

Reviewed By

Review Date: 02/08/2012

Todd Gersten, MD, Hematology/Oncology, Palm Beach Cancer Institute, West Palm Beach, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director and Director of Didactic Curriculum, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington; David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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Q: Intrinsic factor
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Related questions

Aids in absorption of vitamin b12?

It is called intrinsic factor, which enables the absorption of B12. Intrinsic factor is found in the parietal cells (mucosa cells) of the stomach lining.


What the importance of intrinsic factor?

Intrinsic factor is glycoprotein that is produced by the parietal cells of the stomach.


Why do you need intrinsic factor?

Intrinsic factor or gastric intrinsic factor is a protein produced by the stomach. It is used to absorb vitamin B12 in the small intestine. When there is a deficiency of the Intrinsic factor, there is a deficiency in the absorption of B12 into the body and this leads to pernicious anemia.


Inadequate intrinsic factor is associated with?

due to lack of b12 No HCl and intrinsic factor = pernicious anemia


Which cells produce intrinsic factor?

Intrinsic factor is produced in the fundus and body of the stomach by parietal cells that line the stomach. The purpose of intrinsic factor is so vitamin B can be absorbed in the small intestine.


What foods increase intrinsic factor?

what foods help increase intrisic factor


Which nutrient requires intrinsic factor for absorption?

b12


Where does the absorption of vitamin B12 occur?

The vitamin B12 is a very important nutrient; it lowers risk of stroke, heart disease, cancer, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's disease. The vitamin begins to absorb in the mouth, in contrast to most nutrients.


What is the function of the intrinsic factor?

Intrinsic factor is necessary for the proper absorption of vitamin b12 which is necessary for red blood cell maturation, and therefore prevents pernicious anemia


How does one increase production of intrinsic factor?

what foods help increase intrisic factor


Is hydrochloric acid necessary to produce the intrinsic factor for cobalamin?

No, hydrochloric acid (HCl) is not necessary to produce the intrinsic factor for cobalamin. HCl is needed along with gastric enzymes to free Cobalamin (B12) from its polypeptide linkages in food. The intrinsic factor involved with the digestion and absorption of Cobalamin (B12) is a glycoprotein.


How do you prevent intrinsic risk factor?

don't play sports