IV: B12 deficiency, Cause

Vitamin B12 Deficiency (Excerpt):

"Usually, vitamin B12 deficiency is due to inadequate absorption. The cause may be lack of intrinsic factor, a protein produced in the stomach. Normally, vitamin B12 is readily absorbed in the last part of the small intestine (ileum), which leads to the large intestine. However, to be absorbed, the vitamin must combine with intrinsic factor. Without intrinsic factor, vitamin B12 remains in the intestine and is excreted in the stool. Intrinsic factor may be lacking because, for example, abnormal antibodies, produced by an overactive immune system, attack and destroy the stomach cells that produce intrinsic factor—an autoimmune reaction.

Older people may have a vitamin B12 deficiency because stomach acidity is low, reducing the body's ability to remove vitamin B12 from the protein in meat. Abnormal growth of bacteria in the small intestine may reduce the absorption of vitamin B12. Disorders that impair the absorption of nutrients in the intestine can reduce the absorption of vitamin B12. Fish Tapeworm infection may also reduce the absorption of vitamin B12 in the intestine. Liver disorders may interfere with the storage of vitamin B12. Surgery that removes the stomach (where intrinsic factor is produced) or the part of the small intestine where vitamin B12 is absorbed can result in a deficiency. A strict vegetarian diet may also cause vitamin B12 deficiency because vitamin B12 is available only in animal products. Infants who are breastfed by a mother who is a strict vegetarian are at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency."

Hope som of this info points to some answers.

MadArt (ist)