|
Stomach Acid (HCL)
Low HCl
Date: 5/4/2005 1:10:43 PM ( 19 y ) ... viewed 2872 times http://www.townsendletter.com/July2004/unseenepidemic0704.htm
The best article on hcl, h.pylori, Atrophic Gastritis,
Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid
Perhaps the most obvious nutritional consequence of achlorhydria associated with atrophic gastritis is the resultant malabsorption of vitamin B12. The major mechanism of this effect is that the acid-producing parietal cells also produce intrinsic factor and once atrophied, this capacity is lost (Glass, 1963). In addition, however, lack of acid may inhibit the liberation of B12 from other nutrient components in food and bacterial overgrowth microorganisms may compete for the B12 that is available (Schade & Shilling, 1967; Simon & Gorbach, 1984). The metabolism of vitamin B12 and folic acid is related, in that vitamin B12 is necessary for the incorporation of folic acid into human tissue. This level is reflected in red blood cell level of folate, and not serum levels, which simply indicates the recent dietary intake of folic acid. This relationship between these two nutrients means that vitamin B12 deficiency is a very strong predictor of simultaneous deficiency in folic acid. However, approximately 1-2% of vitamin B12 is passively absorbed in the intestine without the need for intrinsic factor (Smith & Morton, 2001) and as such, if doses of 1mg or more per day are delivered, then between 10-20mcg will be absorbed.
Hence a good quality multivitamin, providing 1mg or more of B12 per dose, should be sourced and will be sufficient in most cases. If severe B12 deficiency is suspected, then initial intravenous dosing to build up tissue levels could be considered.
Add This Entry To Your CureZone Favorites! Print this page
Email this page
 Alert Webmaster
|
