Answer: Hydrochloric acid
Shawn is an older adult who recently learned she has low blood levels of vitamin B12. Her health care provider explained that vitamin B12 deficiency is more common in older adults as production of Hydrochloric acid from the cells of the stomach decreases as one ages. This substance binds to vitamin B12 in the duodenum and is necessary for vitamin B12 absorption.
Explanation:
The Vitamin B12 deficiency known as adult pernicious anaemia, springs up in older adults like Shawn due to the rapid decrease of her stomach cells to secrete hydrochloric acid, the fluid responsible for binding to vitamin B12-protein complex found in food substances.
Once bound to hydrochloric acid, the protein is separated, and the vitamin B12 is then absorbed by the body.
