NANP Board Practice Exam

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Prepare for the NANP Board Exam. Study with flashcards, multiple choice questions, and comprehensive quizzes. Each question includes hints and detailed explanations. Enhance your readiness for the exam!

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Adequate secretion of HCl and intrinsic factor are required for the absorption of:

Vitamin B12
Vitamin C
Vitamin D
Vitamin K

The correct answer is: Vitamin B12

Adequate secretion of hydrochloric acid (HCl) and intrinsic factor is essential for the absorption of Vitamin B12 in the gastrointestinal tract. HCl plays a critical role in creating the acidic environment necessary for the release of Vitamin B12 from food proteins, making it more bioavailable. Intrinsic factor, a glycoprotein produced by the stomach lining, then binds to Vitamin B12, which is crucial for its absorption in the terminal ileum of the small intestine. Without sufficient levels of HCl or intrinsic factor, Vitamin B12 cannot be adequately absorbed, leading to potential deficiencies. The other vitamins listed, such as Vitamin C, D, and K, do not require intrinsic factor for their absorption. Vitamin C is absorbed in the intestines without the need for acids or specific binding proteins, while Vitamins D and K are usually absorbed through different mechanisms related to fats and the digestive process. Understanding these differences emphasizes the unique role of intrinsic factor and HCl specifically in the absorption process of Vitamin B12.