Question

Hypochlorhydria or achlorhydria can be a complication of gastritis. What vitamin deficiency can occur as a result of this complication? Why?

Answer 1

Achlorhydria, in simple terms, means the absence of hydrochloric acid in gastric secretions.

In humans,Vitamin B12 binds to Intrinsic factor, a glycoprotein produced by the gastric parietal cells, and the complex is absorbed by specific receptor-mediated process in the ileum.

Vitamin B12 is essential for proper red blood cell formation, neurological function, and DNA synthesis.

Pernicious anemia

The parietal cells found in the gastric fundus, secrete Intrinsic factor and Hydrochloric acid.

Pernicious anemia is a condition caused by autoimmune destruction of parietal cells, resulting in the following:-

1) Decreased hydrochloric acid in gastric secretions (Hypochlorhydria).

2) Absence of intrinsic factor results in an inability to absorb ingested vitamin B12, manifesting as Megaloblastic anemia.