Intrinsic-factor antibody and absorption of vtiamin B12 in pernicious anaemia.

The mean urinary excretion in a vitamin-B(12) absorption (Schilling) test in control subjects was 19.2% and in pernicious anaemia when given with additional intrinsic factor was as follows: no intrinsic-factor antibodies demonstrable 19.3%, antibodies in serum only 14.4%, antibodies in gastric juice only 11.1%, and antibodies in both serum and gastric juice 8.4%. It is concluded that intrinsic-factor antibody exerts an adverse effect on vitamin-B(12) absorption in most patients with pernicious anaemia.