Where is the intrinsic factor in the stomach

Visit MyUFHealth to get an estimate for your cost for the most common medical procedures. 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. Babies 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 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.

Antony AC. Megaloblastic anemias. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. Philadelphia, Pa: Churchill Livingstone; chap WBC count Mononucleosis Vaginal yeast infect Swelling HCG blood test - qua Academic Health Center The University of Florida Academic Health Center - the most comprehensive academic health center in the Southeast - is dedicated to high-quality programs of education, research, patient care and public service.

Research Studies Learn about UF clinical research studies that are seeking volunteers. Research News Artificial intelligence in the intensive care unit: UF researchers developing Read More. UF Health Facts. Start now Related Services. Definition Intrinsic factor is a natural substance normally found in the stomach.

Alternative Names Intrinsic factor - lack of Causes, incidence, and risk factors Babies that are born without intrinsic factor cannot properly absorb vitamin B12 starting around age 6 months.

In the small intestine, pancreatic proteases digest the binding proteins, releasing vitamin B 12 which then becomes bound to intrinsic factor. Finally, there are receptors for intrinsic factor on the ileal mucosa which bind the complex, allowing vitamin B 12 to be absorbed into portal blood. In all mammals, vitamin B 12 is necessary for maturation of erythrocytes, and a deficiency of this vitamin leads to development of anemia. Since efficient absorption of vitamin B 12 in humans depends on intrinsic factor, diseases which decrease the secretion of intrinsic factor e.

In cattle and sheep, deficiency in cobalt, which is a necessary component of vitamin B 12 , can result in anemia among other signs of disease.