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| Definition: |
An absence of a natural substance normally present in the stomach and essential to the digestion of vitamin B-12. Lack of intrinsic factor leads to pernicious anemia and vitamin B-12 deficiency.
Congenital lack of intrinsic factor causes inadequate absorption of vitamin B-12 starting around 6 months of age, while the juvenile type tends to manifest itself at an age greater than 10 years. There is an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern suggested in the congenital form.
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| Alternative Names: |
Addisonian (juvenile) lack of intrinsic factor; Congenital lack of intrinsic factor
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Review Date: 10/8/2001
Reviewed By: Victoria Kennedy, RN, A.D.A.M. editorial.
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