How Does Deficiency Affect the Gastrointestinal Tract?
In the gastrointestinal tract, vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to the atrophy of gastric mucosa, particularly affecting the parietal cells that produce intrinsic factor, essential for vitamin B12 absorption. This condition, known as atrophic gastritis, can result in decreased secretion of hydrochloric acid and intrinsic factor, further exacerbating the deficiency.
