Vitamin B12 Absorption Studies in a Vegetarian with Megaloblastic Anemia

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Abstract
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.