Intrinsic factor

Intrinsic factor (IF), or gastric intrinsic factor (GIF), is a glycoprotein. It is produced by the parietal cells of the stomach.

IF is necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12 (cobalamin) later on in the ileum of the small intestine. In humans, the gastric intrinsic factor protein is encoded by the GIF gene.

References

  1. ↑ Pocock G, Richards C (2006). Human physiology: the basis of medicine (3rd ed.). Oxford University Press. p. 230. ISBN 978-019-856878-0.
  2. ↑ Alpers DH, Russell-Jones G 2013. Gastric intrinsic factor: the gastric and small intestinal stages of cobalamin absorption. a personal journey. (review). Biochimie. 95 (5): 989–94.