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Why is vitamin B12 better absorbed on an empty stomach?

We recommend consuming vitamin B12 on an empty stomach or between meals for several reasons, e.g. :

1. intrinsic factor: Intrinsic factor (IF), a protein produced by parietal cells in the stomach, binds to vitamin B12 and enables its absorption in the small intestine. An empty stomach intake can ensure that sufficient intrinsic factor is available to bind the vitamin B12 consumed.

2. gastric emptying: When the stomach is empty, vitamin B12 can pass more quickly and efficiently through the stomach into the small intestine, where the main absorption takes place.

3. competition with other foods: When vitamin B12 is consumed with other foods or beverages, this can inhibit absorption because other nutrients or substances in the gastrointestinal tract may interfere with binding to the intrinsic factor or absorption.

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