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What are the reasons for a b12 deficiency that require injections because pills cannot be absorbed?
I was diagnosed with b12 deficiency and never given a reason why my body does not properly absorb this vitamin. I do not have crohns, poor diet, or pernicious anemia. I also was given iv iron because my body was not absorbing liquid oral iron. From what I have researched this seems like Celiac Disease symptoms.
29 yr old, Female
asked Oct 05, 2009 at 05:21PM in Other
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3Votes
answered Oct 05, 2009 at 06:55PMNot necessarily.
Vitamin B12 gets absorbed after oral administration via a series of complex steps.
In the one of the last steps of absorption, the B12 binds itself to a glycoprotein called intrinsic factor.
Intrinsic factor is a enzyme-like substance that is secreted in the stomach.
The problem with oral absorption is this intrinsic factor. It is absolutely needed for absorption and without it very little if any B12 will be absorbed when taken orally.
There are some people that for many reasons lack sufficient quantities of B12 and therefor have poor oral absorption.
The way around this is to give IM or IV B12 injections.
Some companies incorporate this intrinsic factor into the oral tablets but there is still major fluctuations with absorption.
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The content on or accessible through Medpedia.com is for informational purposes only. Medpedia is not a substitute for professional advice or expert medical services from a qualified health professional.
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