Schilling test is used to evaluate the absorption of which vitamin?

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Multiple Choice

Schilling test is used to evaluate the absorption of which vitamin?

Explanation:
The test is designed to assess how well the body absorbs vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin. Absorption of B12 in the distal ileum depends entirely on intrinsic factor, a protein produced in the stomach. In this test, a small amount of radiolabeled B12 is given to see how much is absorbed and then excreted in the urine. If the labeled B12 shows up in the urine, absorption is intact. The test can be done in two steps to pinpoint the cause of any malabsorption. If adding intrinsic factor during the study restores absorption, the problem is lack of intrinsic factor, as seen in pernicious anemia. If absorption remains poor even with intrinsic factor, the issue is likely due to problems in the ileum or other malabsorption causes not related to intrinsic factor. Vitamins A, C, and D are absorbed through different mechanisms and do not rely on intrinsic factor, so they are not evaluated by the Schilling test.

The test is designed to assess how well the body absorbs vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin. Absorption of B12 in the distal ileum depends entirely on intrinsic factor, a protein produced in the stomach. In this test, a small amount of radiolabeled B12 is given to see how much is absorbed and then excreted in the urine. If the labeled B12 shows up in the urine, absorption is intact.

The test can be done in two steps to pinpoint the cause of any malabsorption. If adding intrinsic factor during the study restores absorption, the problem is lack of intrinsic factor, as seen in pernicious anemia. If absorption remains poor even with intrinsic factor, the issue is likely due to problems in the ileum or other malabsorption causes not related to intrinsic factor.

Vitamins A, C, and D are absorbed through different mechanisms and do not rely on intrinsic factor, so they are not evaluated by the Schilling test.

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