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Intrinsic factor is a natural substance normally found in the stomach. You need this substance to absorb vitamin B12 from foods.
A lack of intrinsic factor leads to pernicious anemia and vitamin B12 deficiency, which can cause anemia and brain and nervous system (neurological) problems.
Alternative NamesIntrinsic factor - lack of
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsBabies that are born without intrinsic factor cannot properly absorb vitamin B12 starting around age 6 months. Children who have the juvenile type of lack of intrinsic factor tend to show signs and symptoms after age 10.
Older adults get pernicious anemia, which is caused by a lack of intrinsic factor production. This is usually due to an autoimmune disease that causes the stomach lining to waste away (atrophy). The stomach lining is where intrinsic factor is usually made.
ReferencesAntony AC. Megaloblastic anemias. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ, Shattil SS, et al., eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Churchill Livingstone; 2008:chap 39.
What else can I help you with?
Pernicious anemia results from a combination of lack of intrinsic factor and?
atropic gastritis
What results from the hereditary lack of intrinsic factor?
Pernicious anemia (vitamin B 12 deficiency)
Inadequate intrinsic factor is associated with?
Inadequate intrinsic factor is associated with vitamin B12 deficiency, as intrinsic factor is necessary for the absorption of this essential nutrient in the gut. Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to symptoms such as anemia, fatigue, and neurological problems. It is commonly seen in individuals with pernicious anemia or autoimmune conditions affecting 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.
What condition results when there is a lack of the intrinsic-factor?
A lack of intrinsic factor leads to a condition known as pernicious anemia. Intrinsic factor is essential for the absorption of vitamin B12 in the intestine, and without it, the body cannot properly absorb this vitamin. This deficiency results in impaired red blood cell production, leading to symptoms like fatigue, weakness, and neurological issues. Treatment typically involves vitamin B12 injections or high-dose oral supplements.
What effect does a lack of intrinsic factor have on Red blood cells?
A lack of intrinsic factor, a protein produced by the stomach, leads to impaired absorption of vitamin B12, which is essential for red blood cell production. This deficiency can result in megaloblastic anemia, characterized by the production of large, immature red blood cells that are ineffective in transporting oxygen. Consequently, individuals may experience fatigue, weakness, and pallor due to reduced oxygen-carrying capacity. Additionally, a lack of intrinsic factor can be a sign of pernicious anemia, an autoimmune condition affecting the stomach lining.
Aids in absorption of vitamin b12?
Intrinsic factor, a protein produced in the stomach, helps in the absorption of vitamin B12. This vitamin is crucial for red blood cell formation and neurological function. Absorption of vitamin B12 occurs in the small intestine, where it binds to intrinsic factor for transport into the bloodstream.
What will the Lack of intrinsic factor result in?
A lack of intrinsic factor will result in impaired absorption of vitamin B12 in the intestines, leading to a condition called pernicious anemia. This can cause symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and neurological issues if left untreated. Treatment often involves regular B12 injections to bypass the absorption issue.
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.
Which nutrient requires intrinsic factor for absorption?
Vitamin B12 requires intrinsic factor for absorption in the small intestine. Intrinsic factor is produced by the stomach and binds to vitamin B12 to facilitate its absorption in the ileum. Without intrinsic factor, vitamin B12 absorption is impaired, leading to deficiency.
What is perniciousness?
This is anaemia (lowered blood haemoglobin) due to a lack of vitamin B12 absorbed from the intestinal tract, due to a lack of intrinsic factor usually. This can be due to auto antibodies against the cells that produce intrinsic factor, stomach ulcers crowding out the cells that produce intrinsic factor, a hereditary lack of intrinsic factor or the after effects of surgery, illness or fish tapeworm. This gives a macrocytic anaemia. Pernicious anemia is an autoimmune disease that renders the person unable to absorb sufficient Vitamin B-12. Eventually the person becomes Vitamin B-12 deficient and must be treated. Prior to the availability of treatment persons died from the disease, hence the name pernicious. It is critical that treatment be obtained as soon as possible. You can find more information at the following website: www.pernicious-anaemia-society.org
