Nutrition Questions and Answers
Vital Health Zone is proud to announce Lesa Rusher, who is our resident naturopathic expert and who is available to answer questions about nutrition and health.
Lesa Rusher is a qualified naturopath with a thriving business in Canberra, Australia and has a wealth of experience treating clients on a variety of health issues. Lesa Rusher's full credentials can be found in our experts area.
Lesa Rusher will answer your nutrition-related questions.
Q: If you have a vitamin b12 deficiency which is due to not enough 'intrinsic factor' being produced, what can be done to help this?
Is there a way to get the body to produce enough / more of this intrinsic factor?
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A: Intrinsic factor is a glycoprotein produced by certain cells in the stomach.
It depends on the reason for the vitamin B12 deficiency.
Pernicious anaemia for example, is an autoimmune disease directed against the specific cells in the stomach that produce the intrinsic factor. The aim when there is low intrinsic factor is to make sure you are getting enough vitamin B12. This can be done via sublingual administration, as vitamin B12 can be better absorbed this way rather than a vitamin B12 supplement via the normal digestive route.
As far as boosting the intrinsic factor directly, there is not a known answer.
The reason for the development of the pernicious anaemia has to be ascertained (through medical tests), then other remedial treatments can be utilised, to encourage the absorption of vitamin B12.
Please note that the information provided is for educational purposes only and is not meant to diagnose or treat medical conditions. Consult with your medical physician regarding appropriateness of using supplements in your healing process.
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