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Pregnancy Resources

MacDonald BabyAs the arrival of your baby nears, you no doubt have many questions about giving birth and taking care of your baby once you’re home.

How do you make arrangements to deliver at MacDonald Women’s Hospital? What happens if your baby needs special attention after delivery? How do you choose a doctor for the baby?

We want to give you the answers that will bring you peace of mind as you prepare to give birth. Then, when the time comes to deliver at MacDonald Women’s Hospital, you can be assured that you and your baby will receive excellent care with a compassionate touch.
Health Encyclopedia

Lack of intrinsic factor

Megaloblastic anemia - view of red blood cells
Megaloblastic anemia - view of red blood cells

Definition

   

Intrinsic factor is a natural substance normally present in the stomach. It is essential to the digestion of vitamin B-12. Lack of intrinsic factor leads to pernicious anemia and vitamin B-12 deficiency.

Babies that are born without intrinsic factor cannot properly absorb vitamin B-12 starting around 6 months of age. The juvenile type of lack of intrinsic factor tends to manifest itself after the age of ten.


Alternative Names

   
Intrinsic factor - lack of

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

   


Symptoms

   


Signs and tests

   


Treatment

   


Support Groups

   


Expectations (prognosis)

   


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Calling your health care provider

   


Prevention

   


 
Review Date: 2/6/2007
Reviewd By: William Matsui, MD, Assistant Professor of Oncology, Division of Hematologic Malignancies, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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