|
|
Lifespan’s A - Z Health Information Library |
||||||||||
Lack of intrinsic factorDefinitionIntrinsic 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. Alternative NamesIntrinsic factor - lack of ReferencesAntony AC. Megaloblastic anemias. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 170. Review Date: 12/24/2008
Reviewed 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. The information provided herein should not be used during any
medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical
condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for
diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911
for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for
information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those
other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the
information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
 |
||||||||||
|
|
