Vitamin B12 deficiency & Low Vit D

[ScoobyDoo71]

I’ve just started on B12 injections (6 over 2 weeks ouch ) as my levels were low . Many of the symptoms are similar to what I get with heart issues, extreme tiredness and breathlessness. It was only by chance that they added B12 onto my annual check up bloods after I mentioned being more exhausted than usual.

wondering how many of us are deficient in B12 which may potentially be adding to the cardiac symptom burden?

My Vitamin D low also, but given the rubbish Summer we have had I bet the rest of the country is the same , so adding more pills to the collection.

[Blearyeyed]

I have Vitamin B 12 and Folate Deficiency Anaemias and these also cause recurring Vitamin D Deficiency for me because of the way low B12 effects how well we absorb and metabolise the other vitamins , minerals and our medications.I still felt awful with continuing Tachycardia , palpitations, dizziness and chest pain even after beginning my heart treatments. In fact things felt like they got worse as the Fatigue was huge and my muscles became numb with activity.

The Vitamin D problem didn't change for over a year despite supplements and I finally convinced them to check my B12 and Folates. This was the problem,

Since starting B 12 injections and Folate infusions I began to feel more myself again , most of my cardiac and other health symptoms improved significantly.

Low B12 and Folates can have a big impact on most body and brain functions including the cardiac ones.

Just remember , according to NICE guidelines , you should not be tested for B12 again after you have been found to have a Deficiency and that your injections should continue long term.

You should also be tested for Folate levels. Ferritin and Iron and request a blood test for Intrinsic Factor to check for Pernicious Anaemia.

BetterYou is a good Vitamin D spray which is easily absorbed and has the higher dose required for people whom also have problems absorbing supplements because of low B12. Take it after your fattiest meal of the day for the best absorption.

It's also a good idea to take a B Complex supplement each day even on the injections to maintain the other B vitamins too. Holland and Barrett do a good one. Just check the back to ensure you get the one including the active version of B12 , Methylcobalamine.

Hope you start to feel better as you get those B 12 levels back up. Take care , Bee

[ScoobyDoo71 in reply to Blearyeyed]

thanks so much for your comprehensive and informative reply. I’m sure mine is to do with malabsorption however there is a family history of pernicious anaemia. They didn’t think I needed intrinsic factor checking although I’m kicking myself that I didn’t ask for it before starting injections.

Hopefully i will feel better soon. Thanks again for all that great information. Take care x

[Hidden in reply to ScoobyDoo71]

I was going to add the bit about intrinsic factor, I was found to have pernicious anaemia as I don't have intrinsic factor so my body can't process Vit B 12 from food, so have the shots every 12 weeks, and it does make a difference! All B vitamins have to be at optimum levels for us to feel WELL! If one's diet is not as good as it could be that will have an effect too. Good luck, and keep at it!