The GI panel includes folate and cobalamin to assess nutritional status. Which statement is correct?

The GI panel includes folate and cobalamin to assess nutritional status. Which statement is correct?

• A. They assess proximal small intestinal absorption (folate) and cobalamin status
• B. They assess liver function
• C. They assess kidney function
• D. They assess biliary excretion

Answer: (A)

Folate and cobalamin levels in a GI nutritional panel are used to gauge different aspects of intestinal absorption and overall nutritional status. Folate is absorbed mainly in the proximal part of the small intestine (duodenum and proximal jejunum), so low folate can indicate malabsorption there or insufficient intake. Cobalamin (vitamin B12) status reflects stores and depends on a more complex absorption process that involves intrinsic factor and absorption in the terminal ileum; abnormalities point to issues with B12 absorption or chronic deficiency. Because of this, the panel’s use of these two vitamins is about assessing nutritional status and where along the GI tract absorption may be impaired, rather than evaluating liver function, kidney function, or biliary excretion.

Folate and cobalamin levels in a GI nutritional panel are used to gauge different aspects of intestinal absorption and overall nutritional status. Folate is absorbed mainly in the proximal part of the small intestine (duodenum and proximal jejunum), so low folate can indicate malabsorption there or insufficient intake. Cobalamin (vitamin B12) status reflects stores and depends on a more complex absorption process that involves intrinsic factor and absorption in the terminal ileum; abnormalities point to issues with B12 absorption or chronic deficiency. Because of this, the panel’s use of these two vitamins is about assessing nutritional status and where along the GI tract absorption may be impaired, rather than evaluating liver function, kidney function, or biliary excretion.