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Lack of intrinsic factor

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Illustrations

Megaloblastic anemia - view of red blood cells
Megaloblastic anemia - view of red blood cells

Alternative Names    Return to top

Intrinsic factor - lack of

Definition    Return to top

Intrinsic factor is a natural substance normally found in the stomach. You need this substance to digest vitamin B12.

Lack of intrinsic factor leads to pernicious anemia and vitamin B12 deficiency.

Babies that are born without intrinsic factor cannot properly absorb vitamin B12 starting around 6 months of age. Children with the juvenile type of lack of intrinsic factor tends to show signs and symptoms after age 10.

References    Return to top

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

Update Date: 12/24/2008

Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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