Tag: Gastric parietal cells

Intrinsic factor is a protein produced exclusively within the body, specifically by parietal cells in the stomach lining, and is not found in any food sources. While many foods contain vitamin B12, a substance that intrinsic factor binds to, intrinsic factor itself must be produced internally for proper nutrient absorption.

Approximately 2% of the population over 60 years old produces insufficient intrinsic factor, a protein vital for absorbing vitamin B12. This highlights the critical relationship between intrinsic factor and vitamin B12, as the body cannot effectively utilize dietary B12 without this special glycoprotein.