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We provide a comprehensive continuum of cancer services, including prevention, outreach, diagnostic, treatment and support services delivered by our highly skilled staff with compassion and care.
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The Center for Women & Children's Health is a hub for supporting women's and children's individual healthcare needs. The center provides support, research and unmatched patient-centered care.
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Emergency and Trauma Services is the only Level I Trauma Center in the area and serves as the tertiary referral center for medical care in East Tennessee, serving Knox County and 21 surrounding counties.
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The Heart Lung Vascular Institute brings together expertise in clinical care, teaching and research. Patients receive exceptional healthcare combined with patient-centered care.
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Lack of intrinsic factor
Definition
Intrinsic factor is a natural substance normally found in the stomach. You need this substance to absorb vitamin B12 from foods.
A lack of intrinsic factor leads to pernicious anemia and vitamin B12 deficiency, which can cause anemia and brain and nervous system (neurological) problems.
Alternative Names
Intrinsic factor - lack of
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Babies that are born without intrinsic factor cannot properly absorb vitamin B12 starting around age 6 months. Children who have the juvenile type of lack of intrinsic factor tend to show signs and symptoms after age 10.
Older adults get pernicious anemia, which is caused by a lack of intrinsic factor production. This is usually due to an autoimmune disease that causes the stomach lining to waste away (atrophy). The stomach lining is where intrinsic factor is usually made.
Symptoms
Signs and tests
Treatment
Support Groups
Expectations (prognosis)
Complications
Calling your health care provider
Prevention
References
Antony AC. Megaloblastic anemias. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ, Shattil SS, et al., eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Churchill Livingstone; 2008:chap 39.
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