Abstract

The absorption of vitamin B₁₂ following the simultaneous administration of ⁵⁸Co B₁₂ and a complex of ⁵⁷Co B₁₂ with human gastric juice was assessed by measurement of urinary excretion of radioactivity. Sixteen control subjects, 13 patients with pernicious anaemia, and four who had had total gastrectomy were studied. The method proved a reliable means of detecting those with intrinsic factor deficiency.