Gastrin, a hormone produced by G cells in the stomach and upper small intestine, plays a pivotal role in digestion.Upon food intake, gastrin stimulates the release of gastric acid (hydrochloric acid) by parietal cells in the stomach, aiding in protein breakdown and vitamin B12 absorption.Additionally, gastrin influences gastric motility, enhancing food mixing and movement through the digestive tract.While essential for digestion, excessive gastrin levels can lead to conditions like ulcers and Zollinger - Ellison syndrome, while insufficient gastrin can impair digestion and nutrient absorption.

INTRINSIC FACTOR, PRODUCED BY CELLS LINING THE STOMACH, BINDS VITAMIN B12 (CYANOCOBALAMIN) TO FACILITATE ABSORPTION OF THE VITAMIN. THIS ANTIBODY IMPEDES THE ACTION OF INTRINSIC FACTOR AS OBSERVED IN APPROXIMATELY HALF OF THE PATIENTS WHO DEVELOP PERNICIOUS ANEMIA.

THE PARIETAL CELL ANTIBODY TEST DETECTS AUTOANTIBODIES THAT TARGET PARIETAL CELLS, WHICH ARE LOCATED IN THE LINING OF THE STOMACH. THESE CELLS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR PRODUCING INTRINSIC FACTOR AND HYDROCHLORIC ACID.

A VITAMIN B12 TEST MEASURES THE AMOUNT OF VITAMIN B12 IN YOUR BLOOD. VITAMIN B12 IS ESSENTIAL FOR RED BLOOD CELL FORMATION, NERVE FUNCTION, AND DNA SYNTHESIS. THIS TEST HELPS DIAGNOSE VITAMIN B12 DEFICIENCY, WHICH CAN CAUSE ANEMIA, FATIGUE, WEAKNESS, AND NEUROLOGICAL SYMPTOMS. ITS OFTEN RECOMMENDED FOR PEOPLE WITH CERTAIN MEDICAL CONDITIONS, OLDER ADULTS, VEGANS, AND VEGETARIANS WHO MAY BE AT HIGHER RISK FOR DEFICIENCY.