Navigating Intrinsic Factor Supplements for Chronic Fatigue and Vitamin B12 Absorption
A user discusses their struggle with chronic fatigue and the challenges of finding intrinsic factor supplements after their preferred brand became unavailable. The assistant highlights the importance of intrinsic factor in Vitamin B12 absorption and suggests exploring alternative supplements.
So, years ago (2017ish) I had another round of chronic fatigue and after digging I did find out about Intrinsic factor and starting using DOUGLAS LABORATORIES B Complex WITH Intrinsic Factor.. That, along with D3 supplementation and a KETO diet.
There was a nice window where I felt great. My mood, energy, all improved. all inflammation in my joints went away. I had no anxiety.. I just felt NORMAL.. that lasted for a few months and then went down .. and then the pandemic hit and everything went wompus.
around 2020 I was trying to get my supplement on Amazon and elsewhere and they no longer carried it. I even called Douglas Labs to ask if they would be producing more and they said no.. :(.
I see a couple of other supplements with Intrinsic factor, one that i seem to ahve tried but don't know why I didn't continue.. (was it not working as well? I o don't know)l.
So here I am AGAIN with another round of fatigue and issues. I am on Adderal as well as Carbanazapene and I take Estradiol and Progsterone. I have ADHD and finances are tight so trying to remain consistant with a good solid protocol has been hard.
SO has anyone had luck with an intrinsifc factor supplement?
Intrinsic factor, a glycoprotein produced by the parietal cells in the stomach, is crucial for the absorption of Vitamin B121. Without intrinsic factor, Vitamin B12 cannot be effectively absorbed from the diet, which can lead to deficiencies manifesting as fatigue, anemia, and neurological issues2.
Your experience with using a combination of B Complex supplements with intrinsic factor and Vitamin D3, among other interventions, seems to align with the essential role these elements play in metabolic processes and inflammation reduction.
However, obtaining intrinsic factor through supplements can be challenging since its production is specific to certain brands, and availability can fluctuate. There are a few key points regarding intrinsic factor and its supplementation:
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Intrinsic Factor and Vitamin B12 Absorption: Intrinsic factor binds to Vitamin B12 and allows it to be absorbed in the terminal ileum of the small intestine. Deficiency in intrinsic factor can occur due to conditions such as pernicious anemia, gastric bypass surgery, and other intestinal disorders3.
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Alternative Sources: There are products other than Douglas Laboratories that contain intrinsic factor, but their availability can vary. You've noted some success with intrinsic factor supplements, but consistent supply and other health factors (like the pandemic and medications) might have impacted your symptom management.
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Clinical Evidence: Studies indicate that effective Vitamin B12 absorption via intrinsic factor supplementation is critical for individuals unable to produce sufficient intrinsic factor naturally45.
Given your situation, it may be beneficial to search for alternative intrinsic factor supplements currently available on the market. Would you like me to find specific product recommendations for intrinsic factor-containing supplements?
Footnotes
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Efficacy of supplementation with methylcobalamin and cyancobalamin in maintaining the level of serum holotranscobalamin in a group of plant-based diet (vegan) adults ↩
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Vitamin B12 - Dietary Reference Intakes for Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, and Choline ↩
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