In one group, of 19 patients, there was a selective lack of intrinsic factor, with preservation of normal acid secretion and normal gastric-mucosa histology. 1–13 Antibodies to intrinsic factor ...

Pernicious anemia is diagnosed now by finding the antibodies to intrinsic factor, and is treated by giving B-12 by injection, usually once a month, although a single injection in theory lasts much ...

Since there is not enough intrinsic factor for vitamin B12 to bind with and it cannot travel to the distal ileum to absorb into the blood, the body cannot absorb vitamin B12 properly.