Intrinsic factor is produced in the stomach to aid absorption of which vitamin?

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Multiple Choice

Intrinsic factor is produced in the stomach to aid absorption of which vitamin?

Intrinsic factor is produced by stomach parietal cells and binds vitamin B12, forming a complex that travels to the terminal ileum where it binds a specific receptor and is absorbed into the body. This link between intrinsic factor and vitamin B12 is essential because B12 cannot be efficiently absorbed on its own. The other vitamins listed—C, D, and A—are absorbed by different mechanisms that do not require intrinsic factor. Vitamin B12 absorption is a specialized, IF-dependent process, and defects in this pathway lead to impaired B12 uptake (pernicious anemia).

Intrinsic factor is produced by stomach parietal cells and binds vitamin B12, forming a complex that travels to the terminal ileum where it binds a specific receptor and is absorbed into the body. This link between intrinsic factor and vitamin B12 is essential because B12 cannot be efficiently absorbed on its own. The other vitamins listed—C, D, and A—are absorbed by different mechanisms that do not require intrinsic factor. Vitamin B12 absorption is a specialized, IF-dependent process, and defects in this pathway lead to impaired B12 uptake (pernicious anemia).

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