The effect of recombinant human intrinsic factor on the uptake of vitamin B12 in patients with evident vitamin B12 deficiency

Hvas, A-Mette.; Buhl, H.; Laursen, N.Bech.; Hesse, B.; Berglund, L.; Nexo, E.

Haematologica 91(6): 805-808

2006


ISSN/ISBN: 0390-6078
PMID: 16704961
Document Number: 598007
We report on the use of recombinant human intrinsic factor (rhIF) in a new vitamin B12 absorption test. Holotranscobalamin (holoTC) was measured before and 24 hours after intake of three 9-mu g doses of vitamin B12 (B12) and again 24 hours after intake of the same dose of B12 together with rhIF (rhIF-B12). Nine patients with evident vitamin B12 deficiency had a significantly higher increase in holoTC after intake of rhIF-B12 than after intake of B12. Twenty-eight patients with suspected vitamin B12 deficiency showed no additional increase in holoTC after intake of rhIF-B12. We conclude that rhIF promotes B12 absorption among patients with evident vitamin B12 deficiency.

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