B12 absorption/intrinsic factor

[rk386]

How does the lining of the small intestine absorb the B12/intrinsic factor complex into the bloodstream? Does the B12 separate from the intrinsic factor or are the two absorbed as a unit?

[rk386]

Basically, how does intrinsic factor work?

[david23]

This is a pretty straightforward thing, you dont trust wikipedia? intrinsic factor has to bind to b12 for it to be endocytosed.

If you rephrase your question ask what is B12 deficiency like then I can help you there because that sounds more like the questions you are wondering.

[rk386]

Once the B12/intrinsic factor complex gets endocytosed (by what kind of cells?) and into the blood stream, where does it go next? When does the complex get broken up?

[david23]

Oh since we are in the small intestine I have guess maybe enterocytes. The complexes are broken once it gets taken. From blood it goes to a lot of places, oh like your CNS first example.