Tag: Ileum absorption

Over 85% of synthetic folic acid is absorbed more efficiently than natural folate, but its absorption location is often misunderstood. While vitamin B12 absorption occurs predominantly in the ileum, the primary site for folic acid absorption is much earlier in the digestive tract. This article will clarify the process and location of folic acid absorption.

The human digestive system is remarkably efficient, but not all nutrients are absorbed in the same location. While the first sections of the small intestine, the duodenum and jejunum, handle the bulk of absorption, the ileum has a specialized and crucial function for absorbing specific minerals and other compounds.

According to the National Institutes of Health, up to 15% of the population is deficient in Vitamin B12, a condition often linked to issues with absorption rather than a lack of dietary intake alone. Understanding this process, particularly what vitamin is absorbed in the ileum with the help of intrinsic factors, is key to maintaining overall health and preventing serious deficiencies.