Intrinsic Factor

[wedgewood]

I have found some vitamin B complex capsules(with metafolin) which contain Porcine Intrinsic Factor. Has anyone seen any sceintific evidence that this porcine I.F. could really help P.A. patients who have antibodies that destroy their intrinsic factor which is necessary for absorption of Vitamin B12?

[Gambit62 Administrator]

I think it has been mentioned before in previous posts - when I looked at it I personally wasn't convinced - it didn't really seem to be linked to any specific study confirming that it would be effective and seemed like a bit of marketing hype - but that is a very personal reaction.

On the other hand, on the face of it, there isn't any reason why it shouldn't work as pigs are actually quite close to humans in a lot of their biology. When insulin first started to be used as a treatment for human's it was pig insulin that was used.

Having now demonstrated that I'm as much use as a chocolate teapot on this I'll stop. Only saving grace is that I'm an honest chocolate teapot

[wedgewood in reply to Gambit62]

Thanks Gambit, you are the fount of all wisdom! I will continue taking them. The idea of taking porcine intrinsic factor quite revolted me at first. But that is so illogical! I eat other parts of a pig! By the way, you are the very best sort of chocolate tea-pot. We can't do without you.

[helvella in reply to wedgewood]

Over on the Thyroid UK forum, you can see lots of members asking how to get dried, powdered pig thyroid! Available from manufacturers in the USA, Canada (actually made in Spain) and Thailand. And some people seem to do far better on it than on the synthetic thyroid hormones.

I have also read disparaging remarks from medics about animal intrinsic factor - saying it has no value whatsoever. Many say similar things about desiccated thyroid...

[helvella in reply to helvella]

Aha - intrinsic factor...

Apart from dietary deficiency, all other causes of vitamin B12 deficiency are attributable to malabsorption. There is little place for the use of low-dose vitamin B12 orally and none for vitamin B12 intrinsic factor complexes given by mouth. Vitamin B12 in larger oral doses of 1–2 mg daily [unlicensed] may be effective.

evidence.nhs.uk/formulary/b...