Question

A client is diagnosed with megaloblastic anemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency. The health care provider begins the client on cyanocobalamin (Betalin-12), 100 mcg I.M. daily. Which substance influences vitamin B12 absorption?

Answer 1

Intrinsic factor secreted by parietal cells of stomach influences the absorbtion of vitamin B12.

Step-by-step explanation:

Vitamin B 12 is absorbed in the most distal part of small intestine (ileum) . For its absorbtion it combines with a glycoprotien called intrinsic factor in the stomach.

As vitamin B12 is injected intramuscularly , it enters blood stream and ultimately it is taken to the stomach.

Absorbtion of vitamin B12 is a 2 step process.

1) Hydrochloric acid in the stomach separates vitamin B 12 from the protien to which vitamin B12 is attached to food.

2)After the release of vitamin B12 , it combines with the glycoprotien (intrinsic factor) made bt stomach and then it is absorbed by the body.