American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol 12, 70-74, Copyright © 1963 by The American Society for Clinical Nutrition, Inc.

Vitamin B₁₂ Absorption Studies in a Vegetarian with Megaloblastic Anemia

¹ From the Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison, Wisconsin

Results of absorption studies are reported in an Asiatic Indian (a vegetarian) with megaloblastic anemia which was responsive to treatment with parenterally administered vitamin B₁₂. Vitamin B₁₂ absorption was shown to be defective by failure to obtain a reticulocyte response from the oral administration of the vitamin and by the urine radioactivity technic. In this patient the gastric juice contained abundant intrinsic factor at a time when he could not absorb vitamin B₁₂. Upon treatment, the vitamin B₁₂ absorption defect disappeared. Defective absorption of glucose and vitamin A persisted.