What it means
Cells in the stomach lining release intrinsic factor, which binds to vitamin B12VY-tuh-min bee TWELVA vitamin from animal foods that the body needs to make red blood cells and keep nerves healthy; also called cobalamin.Full entry and carries it to the end of the small intestine (ileum), where it is absorbed. Without it, the body cannot take in B12 from food, which leads to a type of anemia called pernicious anemiaper-NISH-us uh-NEE-mee-uhAn anemia from a lack of vitamin B12 because the stomach does not make intrinsic factor, a protein needed to absorb it.Full entry and to nerve damage. This happens in an autoimmune disease that attacks the stomach lining, and after surgery that removes part of the stomach or ileum.
For the nurse
Clients who lack intrinsic factor need vitamin B12 by injection or high-dose supplements for life, because ordinary oral B12 is not absorbed well; teach them not to stop.
At a glance
| Also written | intrinsic factors |
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Related terms
vitamin B12
A vitamin from animal foods that the body needs to make red blood cells and keep nerves healthy; also called cobalamin.
pernicious anemia
An anemia from a lack of vitamin B12 because the stomach does not make intrinsic factor, a protein needed to absorb it.
ileum
The last and longest part of the small intestine, which joins the large intestine.
intrinsic
Coming from inside, or belonging naturally to something itself.