Intrinsic Factor from Procine Pyloric Mucous Lining, 100mg

Intrinsic factor is a glucoprotein extracted from the pylorus part of the gastric mucous membrane. Its presence is considered necessary for the absorption of Vitamin B-12. Intrinsic Factor is used in the treatment not only of classical pernicious anaemia, but also in the treatment of other macrocytic anaemias, where it replaces the Intrinsic Factor which may be lacking in the patient's own gastric juice. In this way Intrinsic Factor is recommended against anaemias that appear 6 to 12 months after serious gastric operations, and against anaemias that are secondary effects of the treatment with certain medicines, e.g. against epilepsy. However, the dietetic use in multi-vitamin preparations is of the greatest importance. In older people there has been observed degeneration of the gastric mucous membrane, whose secretion of Intrinsic Factor is insufficient to ensure the resorption of the necessary quantity of B-12 from their diet. In order to delay this development it is useful to prescribe a small quantity of Intrinsic Factor with B-12 and other vitamins to these patients.