intrinsic factor

American

noun

Biochemistry.

a glycoprotein, secreted by the gastric mucosa, that is involved in the intestinal absorption of vitamin B 12 .

intrinsic factor British

noun

biochem a glycoprotein, secreted by the stomach, the presence of which is necessary for the absorption of cyanocobalamin (vitamin B 12 ) in the intestine

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of intrinsic factor

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Production of gastric acid and intrinsic factor by the specialized parietal cells in the stomach is critical for B12 absorption to occur.

From Salon • Nov. 30, 2022

Once in the duodenum, pancreatic juices release B12 from R-protein and hand it to intrinsic factor.

From Salon • Nov. 30, 2022

However, people whose stomachs don’t secrete enough intrinsic factor may need B12 injections.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 14, 2022

Its numerous digestive functions notwithstanding, there is only one stomach function necessary to life: the production of intrinsic factor.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Eleventh Grade Adolescence is an explosive age wherein change is an intrinsic factor.

From Through these Eyes The courageous struggle to find meaning in a life stressed with cancer by Isaacson, Lauren Ann

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023