Oral Treatment of Pernicious Anemia with Vitamin B12without Intrinsic Factor

Abstract

THE absorption of ordinary amounts of vitamin B₁₂ from the gastrointestinal tract is normally dependent on the presence of the intrinsic factor of Castle in the gastric secretions. A lack of intrinsic factor results in deficient absorption of vitamin B₁₂ and the clinical picture of pernicious anemia. In the treatment of this condition it has been necessary either to administer vitamin B₁₂ parenterally or to add intrinsic factor to the vitamin B₁₂ given by mouth to ensure proper absorption. If, however, the oral dose of vitamin B₁₂ is increased to more than 1 mg. enough . . .