Author Question: What salivary protein is important for the transport of dietary vitamin B12 to the small intestine? ... (Read 44 times)

HudsonKB16 · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

What salivary protein is important for the transport of dietary vitamin B12 to the small intestine?

a. Trypsin
b. IF
c. Haptocorrin
d. Transcobalamin II

Question 2

A patient with moderate anemia has an elevated MCV and hypersegmented neutrophils. Which of the following should be ordered first?

a. Schilling test
b. Gastric analysis
c. Antibodies to IF
d. Vitamin B12 and folate assays

lucas dlamini · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Haptocorrin is a salivary protein that binds vitamin B12 found in food. In the small intestine the vitamin is released from haptocorrin by the action of trypsin. IF is then required for its absorption into circulation. Transcobalamin is the most important of the plasma carrier proteins for vitamin B12.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
The blood picture findings point to a megaloblastic anemia. The first test to order would be the vitamin B12 and folate assays to determine which of these two vitamins is deficient.