Which component is required for the absorption of dietary vitamin B12?

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Multiple Choice

Which component is required for the absorption of dietary vitamin B12?

Explanation:
Absorption of dietary vitamin B12 relies on intrinsic factor, a protein secreted by stomach parietal cells. After B12 is freed from dietary proteins in the stomach, intrinsic factor binds to it in the small intestine. The B12–intrinsic factor complex is then recognized by receptors in the terminal ileum and absorbed into enterocytes. This step is essential for physiologically significant B12 uptake; without intrinsic factor, most dietary B12 cannot be absorbed, leading to deficiency (unless a small amount diffuses passively). The other options aren’t involved in B12 absorption: bile helps with fat digestion, lipase and carboxypeptidase digest fats and proteins, not B12 uptake.

Absorption of dietary vitamin B12 relies on intrinsic factor, a protein secreted by stomach parietal cells. After B12 is freed from dietary proteins in the stomach, intrinsic factor binds to it in the small intestine. The B12–intrinsic factor complex is then recognized by receptors in the terminal ileum and absorbed into enterocytes. This step is essential for physiologically significant B12 uptake; without intrinsic factor, most dietary B12 cannot be absorbed, leading to deficiency (unless a small amount diffuses passively). The other options aren’t involved in B12 absorption: bile helps with fat digestion, lipase and carboxypeptidase digest fats and proteins, not B12 uptake.

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