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Illustrations
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Alternative names
Illustrations
Megaloblastic anemia - view of red blood cells
Alternative names
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Intrinsic factor - lack of
Definition
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Intrinsic factor is a natural substance normally present in the stomach. It is essential to the digestion of vitamin B-12. Lack of intrinsic factor leads to pernicious anemia and vitamin B-12 deficiency.
Babies that are born without intrinsic factor cannot properly absorb vitamin B-12 starting around 6 months of age. The juvenile type of lack of intrinsic factor tends to manifest itself after the age of ten.
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