Intrinsic Factor

[SharonH68]

Does anyone know how long the test for IF takes? My GP has said if I don’t have IF I can have injections every 8 weeks instead of the 10 weekly that I’m on. Is that normal? I'm very lucky that I have a supportive GP.

[fbirder]

I am confused.

If you don't have IF he will increase the frequency?

What could possibly be the reasoning behind that?

[SharonH68 in reply to fbirder]

I ‘think’ the rationale was if I have IF I can metabolise B12 so I could top up with oral supplements?

[SharonH68]

So easy to forgot that brain fog is a neuro symptom!

[topazrat]

Mine took around 2 weeks to come back.

[Fierybiscuits]

Nearly 8 weeks since mine and still waiting on my results.

[clivealive Forum Support]

Hi SharonH68 Intrinsic Factor (I.F.) is necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12 and if you have Pernicious Anaemia (P.A.) with neurological symptoms the N.I.C.E guidelines say "maintenance" B12 injections should be given every eight weeks.

Perhaps that's what your doctor was referring to. Click on the link, then on "Scenario: Management" and scroll down to "Treatment for B12 deficiency"

google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j...

If you can get to see your doctor please also ask him/her to check your Folate level as this and B12 help your iron to make red blood cells and to function properly.

I am not a medically trained person but I've had P.A. (a form of B12 deficiency) for more than 45 years.

I wish you well

[SharonH68 in reply to clivealive]

Thanks. I’ve recently got access to my records and can see that my folate and ferritin were borderline so I probably do need to top up on that as well.

You managing for 45 years gives me some hope .

[clivealive Forum Support in reply to SharonH68]

Sadly I "managed" in ignorance for the first forty years as I'd never known of anyone else with P.A. before I joined the Society in 2011 and started asking questions.

[Gambit62 Administrator]

Conman, really not clear what you are trying to say here.

IF is the protein that binds to B12 to allow it to be absorbed - if you have PA then you don't make IF so you can't absorb B12 from your food.

B12 can produce a false positive in the IFA test if it is taken too close to the IFA test.