Vitamin B-12 is prepared for absorption by gastric secretions. Both stomach substance and pyloric substance are used in Intrinsic Plus to promote absorption of this essential nutrient.

B-12 deficiency is usually due to an absorption problem caused by a lack of the intrinsic factor. It is poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract unless the intrinsic factor, a mucoprotein enzyme found abundantly in the pyloric region of the stomach, is present. Autoimmune reactions in the body can bind the intrinsic factor or interfere with its production, preventing B-12 absorption.⁽¹⁾

Documented clinical and scientific studies have shown that orally administered pancreatic supplements can significantly improve the intestinal absorption of vitamin B-12.^(5-8) The  absorption of vitamin B-12 is a complex process requiring the interaction of several macromolecules. The formation of a primary complex between the intrinsic factor and B-12 is followed by the recognition and binding of this complex to receptors in the ileum and the subsequent transport of B-12 into circulation.^(2-4)

Human saliva contains inhibitory proteins known as R-binders which form a molecular complex with B-12. This complex renders vitamin B-12 unavailable for complexing with the intrinsic factor, thus greatly reducing its bioavailability. Bile and gastric juice also contain inhibitory binding proteins. Pancreatic enzymes, especially trypsin, are capable of digesting the inhibitory proteins in saliva, gastric juice and bile, resulting in the release of B-12. The free B-12 is then able to form a complex with intrinsic factor to mediate its absorption.^(5-8)

Duodenum concentrate is included in Intrinsic Plus to promote maximal activation of secreted pancreatic proteolytic enzymes by virtue of its enterokinase content.

Folic acid participates with B-12 in several important metabolic functions. The two nutrients are intimately involved as vitamin cofactors in the formation of red blood cells, cellular production of nucleic acids, protein and certain amino acids.⁽¹⁾

Since gastric secretions decrease with age, B-12 absorption also decreases with age. Up to 10 % of the elderly have clear-cut B-12 deficiency. Efficiency of B-12 absorption also seems to decrease with vitamin B-6 deficiency resulting from a decreased synthesis of intrinsic factor, with calcium or iron inadequacy and in hypothyroidism.⁽¹⁾

Those who have clear-cut B-12 deficiencies naturally begin to feel far more energetic once the deficiency is corrected. But the claim over the years has been that even generally healthy people can benefit from B-12 supplementation, especially during periods of stress, fatigue or recovery from illness.⁽⁹⁾

Now there is good evidence that subtle B-12 deficiencies may be common in the general population. Newly developed and more sensitive tests have enabled researchers to see subtle deficiencies, even in the absence of symptoms such as anemia, long thought to be hallmarks of this deficiency. This may be the basis for claims made as to the energizing effects of B-12.⁽⁹⁾

In addition to anemia, deficiency symptoms include glossitis, degeneration of the spinal cord, loss of appetite, gastrointestinal disturbances, fatigue, pallor, dizziness, disorientation, numbness, tingling, ataxia, moodiness, confusion, agitation, dimmed vision, delusions, hallucinations and, eventually, "megaloblastic madness" (psychosis).^(1,10) Impaired fatty acid synthesis, observed in vitamin B-12 deficiency states, can result in impairment of brain and nerve tissue. The insulation around nerve cells, the myelin sheath, is misformed in a vitamin B-12 deficiency and this contributes to faulty nerve transmission. Ultimately, neurological disturbances result from prolonged deficiency.⁽¹⁰⁾

Vitamin B-12 plays a role in the activation of amino acids during protein formation and in the anaerobic degradation of the amino acid lysine. The coenzyme of B-12 is a carrier of methyl groups and hydrogen and is necessary for carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism.⁽¹⁰⁾

Because of its methyl transfer role, vitamin B-12 is active in the synthesis of the amino acid methionine from homocysteine.  Proper DNA replication and cell division are dependent on vitamin B-12 as a methyl group carrier.⁽¹⁰⁾

This essential vitamin has been found effective in the treatment of the following conditions:

• Pernicious anemia, characterized by insufficient red blood cells in the bone marrow.⁽¹⁾

• Neuropsychiatric symptoms related to B-12 deficiency including abnormal gait, memory loss, decreased reflexes, weakness, fatigue, disorientation, impaired touch or pain perception.^(1,9)

• Energy booster, especially during periods of stress, fatigue or recovery from illness.⁽⁹⁾ It has often been used as a remedy for hangovers.⁽¹⁾

• Cancer protection, in conjunction with folic acid, especially smoking-induced cancer. In one research study, smokers given supplements of B-12 and folic acid for four months had significantly fewer cells classified as potentially precancerous than those given placebos.⁽⁹⁾

• Tobacco amblyopia, a dimness of vision or loss of vision due to poisoning by tobacco, has be improved with B-12 whether or not the patient stopped smoking. Symptoms are blackouts, headaches and farsightedness.⁽¹⁾

• Rapid relief has been achieved in cases of bursitis and osteoarthritis with B-12.⁽¹⁾

• Allergic reaction to sulfites, common food and wine additives, can be blocked in sulfite-sensitive individuals with B-12 supplements.⁽⁹⁾

• Removes excess homocysteine from the blood. Research indicates that mildly elevated levels of homocysteine in the blood may damage blood vessels and lead to hardening of the arteries.⁽¹¹⁾

Individuals on strict vegetarian and macrobiotic diets are at risk for B-12 deficiency. Claims that miso, tempeh and other soy products are rich in B-12 have been convincingly refuted in a number of recent studies.⁽⁹⁾

The only source of vitamin B-12 in nature is microbial synthesis. The vitamin is not found in plants, but is produced by bacteria in the digestive tract of animals, or by microbial fermentation of foods.⁽¹⁾

WARNING: This publication and the product contained herein have not been approved or evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This publication, and the product contained herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The product relates to nutritional support only.

1. Kirschmann, John D., Nutrition Almanac, Second Edition, McGraw-Hill, New York, 1984.

2. Francis, G.L., Intrinsic Factor Mediated Cobalamin Absorption, Ann. Clin. Lab. Sci., 10:334, 1980.

3. West, E.S., et. al., Textbook of Biochemistry, 4th ed., MacMillan, NY, 1966.

4. Osler, B.L. (Ed.), Hawk's Physiological Chemistry, 14th ed., McGraw-Hill (Blakiston Div.) NY, 1965.

5. Andersen, K.J. and Von der Lippe, G., "The Effect of Proteolytic Enzymes on the Vitamin B-12 Binding Proteins of Human Gastric Juice and Saliva", Scand. Journal of Gastroenterol., 14:833, 1979.

6. Cotter, R., et. al.,"Dissociation of the Intrinsic Factor/Vitamin B-12 Complex by Bile: Contributing Factor to B-12 Malabsorption in Pancreatic Insufficiency", Scand. J. Gastroenterol., 14:545, 1979.

7. Toskes, P.P., et.al., "Specificity of the Correction of Vitamin B-12 Malabsorption by Pancreatic Extract and its Clinical Significance", Gastroenterol., 65:199, 1973.

8. Toskes, P.P., et. al., "Trypsin-Like Nature of Pancreatic Factor that Corrects Vitamin B-12 Malabsorption Associated with Pancreatic Dysfunction", J. Clin. Invest., 52:1660, 1973.

9. Hendler, Sheldon, S., The Doctors' Vitamin and Mineral Encyclopedia, Simon & Schuster (Fireside Div.), New York, 1990.

10. Garrison, R. and Somer, E., The Nutrition Desk Reference, Keats Publishing, New Canaan, CT, 1985.

11. Beverly, Cal (Ed.), Natural Health Secrets Encyclopedia, FC&A Publishing, Peachtree City, GA, 1991.

INTRINSIC XTRA
Synergistic Factors for Enhancement of B-12 Bioavailability

Product No. 400 Fill Size: 90 Capsules

Each capsule contains: % Daily Value
Folate (folic acid) 800 mcg. 200%
B-12 (cyanocobalamin) 500 mcg. 8333%
Duodenum Concentrate 75 mg. *
Pancreatic Enzyme Concentrate 50 mg. *
Porcine Stomach 250 mg. *
Pyloric Substance 60 mg. *
Other ingredients: rice flour, magnesium stearate, gelatin. *Daily Value not established.

Recommended Usage: One capsule daily.

Therapeutic Usage: One capsule 2-3 times daily.