Intrinsic factor is important for the absorption of which vitamin?

Enhance your knowledge with the Ciulla Clinical Chemistry Test. Study with interactive quizzes, featuring flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question offers hints and explanations for better understanding. Prepare effectively and excel in your exam!

Multiple Choice

Intrinsic factor is important for the absorption of which vitamin?

Explanation:
Intrinsic factor is essential for absorbing vitamin B12. In the stomach, intrinsic factor binds vitamin B12 released from dietary proteins. This IF–B12 complex is protected from digestion and travels to the terminal ileum, where it binds a specific receptor and is taken up into enterocytes. Inside the body, B12 is then carried in the blood by transcobalamin II to tissues. Without intrinsic factor, B12 absorption drops dramatically, leading to deficiency. Other vitamins (A, C, D) do not depend on intrinsic factor for their uptake.

Intrinsic factor is essential for absorbing vitamin B12. In the stomach, intrinsic factor binds vitamin B12 released from dietary proteins. This IF–B12 complex is protected from digestion and travels to the terminal ileum, where it binds a specific receptor and is taken up into enterocytes. Inside the body, B12 is then carried in the blood by transcobalamin II to tissues. Without intrinsic factor, B12 absorption drops dramatically, leading to deficiency. Other vitamins (A, C, D) do not depend on intrinsic factor for their uptake.

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