Hi
Iv read that vitamin b12 have been known to help with the pain of nerve damage my question is what brand to buy what dosage & of course is is still safe to take if I'm not deficiant in the vitamin & do I take it with magnesium or magnese???
I want to try them but not sure
Any advice guys xx
B12 isn't easily absorbed in tablet form, and you really don't want to be taking it anyway unless you know you are deficient. As the other poster has said, make sure you are needing it by asking your GP to do blood tests. If the tests do show a definite deficiency, then you will probably be offered an injection, which is a much more effective way to top up B12.
I don't think so although I haven't been tested but would it matter ?:
Iv heard it be good for nerve pain & it can help repair the nerve sheaths if they are damaged.
I think Il ask my gp to test me first.
Thanks
Hello Ktchard,
I have been doing research into the effects of Vit B Complex Deficiency. I too have a severe problem with as yet undiagnosed, baffling issue with nerve messages to and from my legs. I did what the others have suggested and recently had a Vit B 12 and Vit B 6 and magnesium blood test. They have all come back as normal. Now here is the rub, in the UK the NHS have in the past, set the level for what is normal, lower than in Europe.
In the case of Vit D for instance, with the average person in the UK (Northern Europe) having less exposure to sunlight, the 'normal' levels without any noticeable symptoms were low anyway. It has taken quite a while, but the adequate level of Vit D recognised by the NHS has now caught up, and is set at a higher level.
I am now trying to find out if the same issue could apply to Vit B12 and Vit B 6 ? I have the symptoms of Vit B Deficiency and yet my Vit B levels are 'normal' via an NHS blood test. So watch this space!
May I ask what are your symptoms? As far as taking a supplement I have already cleared that with a specialist, and yes it's fine to take a one a day high dose Vit B Complex tablet or capsule. I have ordered some from Hadleywood Healthcare, called EnergyB Complex at £8.99. You can also look at Lamberts, both these are top quality unadulterated producers.
If it is just Vitamin B12 that you want, and you do not suspect that you have Pernicious Anaemia ? You can take a brilliant product that does absorb through into the bloodstream much more easily, rather than tablets which is called B12 Boost Pure Energy Oral Spray by BetterYou, available from all good healthshops or direct online (betteryou.uk.com). While you are at it look at the Betteryou Dlux Vitamin D Oral Spray. I don't work for any of these companies by the way. I have just had to get understand what's good,bad and indifferent looking after a large family!
I hope that all this helps you!
Hi wayside 7
My symptoms are tingling tounge, hands legs and feet I also got pain & weakness in neck , shoulder & right arm, I suffer with blurred vision & tinnitus.
I v had an mri scan which revealed four disks in my neck had lost height & water plus protrusions & prolapsed disks on of which is resting in the spinal canal space. Also some arthritis and nerve root compression.
Iv just had facet joint injections in my cervical spine & I take medication on a regular basis.
Iv read that vitamin b1 & vitaming b12 helps nerve problems & can help with some of the problems I suffer.
But I'm concerned about taking too much of the vitamin especially if im not deficiant I want to get tested.
It's interesting that other country's levels are recommended to be higher than ours do you know by how much ?
Il have a chat with my gp & ask about supplementing with b vit s
Thankyou ever so much 😊
Hi Ktchard,
It is really interesting reading all the other posts, since you first posted.
I am sure that when you chat to your GP he/she will advice you regarding taking any Vitamin supplements. I find it somewhat amusing to see that there seems to be a fear about overdosing, on what is a water soluble vitamin, when there are serious life/mind changing drugs being regularly taken!
When did it all start that it is ok to demonize vitamins and alternative remedies? You can't buy Comfrey tablets at the moment they might not be safe? They were only used by the Romans to help heal fractures, and probably by the Greeks before them? Oh and by the way they work too!
Why is there a campaign to have homeopathy taken away as a choice from the NHS? I am not a person who looks for conspiracies. I just believe that you have the right to find your own way through.
I was taught that you don't take supplements unless you are deficient too. My point is that what level is a deficiency here in the UK? I will find out though. Like Coast walker said people in Japan like to keep the level over 500. When did any of us actually hear what our Vit B levels were after testing?
One of my dogs has Hypothyroidism, and I have to have blood test every 4 months or so. Yes I pay for them, but I then get the full report emailed over to me. I then forward that to a specialist in the US, who reads the report and advises both myself and my vet on how to proceed. Why you might ask? Because brilliant as our UK vets are, they are not sufficiently trained to interpret these particular results.
I am sorry I am on my orange box again, I digress somewhat from the subject. I do hope that if we all start looking out of the box, we can help ourselves and each other!
Please try the brand Methyl protect, seeking health or pure therapeutics. 40% of people, because of an MTHFR gene mutation, cannot properly utilize B12 and Folate. You might absorb it, but since your body cannot Methylate it, you simply tale it already methylated. So you need B12 in methylcobalomin form and not cyanocobalomin found in most vitamins. You do not need shots, just the right form of capsule. You also need methylated Folate and not folic acid. 40% of people have this mutation and if your urine smells when you eat asparagus, you have it. MTHFR.net for more info. Not utilizing B12 and folate properly is very damaging to the nervous system and cardiac system. The right form of these vitamins cleared my head fog, anxiety, fatigue and pain. Without them, you only use B 12 and folate at 10% of a person with 2 normal genes. This is the real deal! B12 and folate are required to make your body's anti oxidants to clear metals, neurotoxins and junk from the liver. My kids won't leave home without it. You can be tested for the genes or just try it and see how you feel.
If your not deficient then you don't need to take vitamins. Also long as your diet is balance you can over dose on vitamin. Increased levels off a vitamin you don't need dose and can have an negative effect on health. Speak to any nutritionist on dietetics and they are the best to advise you. I have P/A and its iron tablets for life and injection. I take vitamin C again this is very easy to over dose on as it helps absorbed iron. I am doing a degree which is heavily nutrition
Yes I have been looking into it. I shouldn't take them unless needed.
I suppose I'm just trying to find a natural solution for pain relief other than antidepressants & opiates.
I'm probley just hoping I wish the pain would just go away.
I'm feeling a bit sorry for myself atm 😢
I think everyone of my family have had enough of me moaning about it.
Many don't realize they are low or deficient in vitamin B12.
Japan like to keep their people's blood levels over 500.
PAS Pernicious Anemia Society forum members (also for B12 Deficiency.) here on Health Unlocked, say 1000 is better.
You cannot overdose on B12 as it is water soluble, so anything not needed comes back out through your waste waters.
B12 deficiency like you say Ktchard, causes spinal problems, nerve problems and tingling, also being 'low in range' can cause problems not often acknowledged. Many people get 'missed'
MS Mutiple Sclerosis often gets confused with B12 Deficiency too, many with diagnosed MS, later find they have a B12 Deficiency instead.
I take sub-lingual (under the tongue) Methylcobalamin vitamin B12.
5mg or also written as 5000mcg. They go straight into the blood stream.
Brands I have taken are Swansons Ultra. Jarrows, Solgar, and Kirkland.
Hello Coastwalker,
I found it extremely interesting what you said about the Japanese liking to keep the Vitamin B12 levels over 500.
I am waiting to contact my GP and ask him to send me my lab report. I am trying to find out what is acceptable as a 'normal' level here in the UK? If they follow the Vit D levels then it was previously set too low, but has been updated and the adequate or good level has been raised recently.
Would you be able to give me some more insight into what being 'low in range' means symptomatically? And the point you made about many people being 'missed' too?
Thank you I would greatly appreciate your thought on all of this.
Being 'missed' for B12 means the same as you mentioned about the old vitamin D levels which was set too low.
Vitamin B12 is still set too low as many I read posts on are still complaining about their B12 Symptoms, yet told their Vitamin B12 levels are normal, there is nothing wrong with them.
Low Thyroid and B12 Deficiency, (Hypothyroidism mimics B12 Deficiency symptoms, or you can have both together, they often go hand in hand.
Also if you are low in Thyroid Hormone and/or vitamin B12, always get your Vitamin D, iron, ferritin and folate checked too as they too can also be low (out of range) or low in range and be causing presenting symptoms.
You are on the right path. Methylcobalomin instead of cyanocobalomin found in most vitamins. You also need methylated folate instead of folic acid or you can't utilize it. Seeking health, methyl protect and pure therapeutics have a combo that also includes niacin. If you feel better taking this, you have an MTHFR gene mutaion. Very common. 40% population has mutation. Read on MTHFR.net. Very tied to pain, stroke,clots, miscarriage and still birth, fatigue and brain fog.
Dear ktchard,
Please don't take this the wrong way but.....Are you sure that you DO have a Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin (not the 'dissolvable' one)-if memory serves) deficiency? Please do get this checked BEFORE you start consuming supplements. Vit. B12 is not the most dangerous Vitamin to 'overdose' on but still. Others have suggested a range of other possibilities, any of which could be causing your symptoms.
As I said, right at the beginning, that I am NOT suggesting that your 'Self Diagnosis' is wrong-only that it might not be right (and there IS a difference).
Since you are clearly suffering can you not book an appointment, with your Doctors/Consultants, to discuss this matter? It might not be a bad idea ktchard
Please do have a Peaceful Easter and I hope that you feel better soon-I AM aware that this can sound patronising, but this is NOT my intent.
AndrewT
Hi AndrewT
No I Don't think you sound patronising.
It's honest isn't it? I wouldn't take supplements without consulting My Dr first. I just wish there was some kind of vitamin I could take to ease the pain &;neurological symptoms..
Do you suffer from chronic pain ??
Kind regards Katie 😊
P's thanks for your advice.
Looking at vitamin over dosing as a part off my degree and it's so easy to do so. I have chronic fibromyalgia Nerve damage and some other pain related stuff I have found yoga works well I go to a yoga group for disabled also I used to get acupuncture that did help for abit. When your in pain it's hard as your always looking for something anything to get rid off the pain I know as I have been searching since 2002. Pain Clinc can't control my pain anymore that was a very very dark time and I suppose I will always be looking for a cure as I can't work had a job that I loved was a chef for 22 years. Pain will take over your life if you let it and for at times it is dose when the pain monsters visit they don't wait to be invited just turn and take over. I find that distracting yourself helps that's one reason for the degree the other reason
Thankyou nikki
I'm going to ask my gp if he thinks it's safe to supplement with them also magnesium as that's supposed to be good for muscular pain.
Pain is a demon it traps you when you want/ need to be getting on with life.
I just have to find the right tools to get it under control or at least quieten it a little.
Sorry for your pain thanks for the suggestions 😊😊
It drives me mad being in constant pain. Gets me down to. What about yoga or any gentle exercise I have gained so many benefits from attending yoga. I study to distract me from pain as well. I try and keep moving as it helps. I refuse to take anti depressants if i keep on top off my yoga it's a huge help. Let me know how you get on and wishing you all the best. Don't you wish there was one magic pill that would aid chronic pain. Good luck. Xxx
Yes nikki when my daughter starts nursery in September I can do a yoga class. I see my neighbour across the road from me who is now retired & is doing some facet joint work atm once a fortnight I ached for three days after the soft tissue manipulation I was unaware I have one leg longer than the other & because I have a mild scoliosis my rib & shoulder are raised so it's putting pressure on my sternum. But I think it has helped with movement & muscle pain.
I take minimal medication iv struggled for years trying not to take them but I now realise I need a little medication to help me through the day.
We are all different it's all about finding out what's right for you isn't it??
Well il look into yoga when my little girl is at Nursery thanks
Goodnight xxx
Yes it is I just wish the pain Clinc would see that we are all different. Speak to your yoga teacher before you join and explain what's up. I still take muti meds and patches per day but I can see a small dot at the end of the tunnel. Been in pain since 2002 very early 30s. I do know what your going through. Good night and good luck. Xx
There are many vitamins that you cannot overdose on as the body flushes out excess.
If you take too much vit c you will get the trots, it will give you an odd colour to your urine too.
I have to take iron all the time. I have to either drink a vit c drink of take a vitd tablet to aid absorption. So the side effects of high dose iron and vitd kind of cancel each other!
I also rake vit d and calcium and a multi vitamin.
Min you despite all this my bloody remain very stubborn and I'm still low on iron and at minimal levels for most other stuff.
I have recently started GF and DF diet after having cameras and biopsies so I hope I start to feel good effects soon.
Sorry you are in so much pain. I spent years in agony through DDD. These days I take less medication and can manage pain levels and things have stopped grating against each other. I still get sciatica and my reflexes are pants in my feet ankles and knees.
I get intermittent pins and needles in feet and wrists and hands. I always used to just leave every thing in the hands of the doctors. I then took other steps such as hydrotherapy accupuncture diet yoga and a myriad of other stuff.
I got my medication settled a few years ago and I'm managing to work. There are many combinations available and you have to try them out.
Research for a Lyme literate doctor at iliads.com.
Thankyou I think I need to try and see attitude towards pain management.
Atm I'm waiting to see pain specailsts which include input from physio therapists, & phycologists I take the least amount of medication possible I'm 33 years old but my diets pretty good I take fish oil supplement & turmeric capsules which are supposed to be anti inflammatory so I use this instead of ibuprofen.
It's a lot healthier I believe.
I exercise when I can & run around after my 2 year old daughter lol
Thanks for replying katie 😊
There is some good advice here from others, I thought I would add my 2 cents worth as I have cured my own issues using vitamin B12 and I had a quick look through your old posts and the burning tongue, pins and needles, numbness etc... could possibly be B12 deficiency related. Its too long to post here, but I have written on my blog about the protocol I used with B12 and B6 etc... to cure my own problems, which included an inability to swallow difficulty-swallowing.com/t... . The type of test you have done is really important too, try and get a Methylmalonic acid test which is deemed to be the best way of getting the most accurate B12 result. As others have mentioned you can't overdose on B12 as it is water soluble. Fire fighters take 5mg 20 minutes apart when they have been exposed to smoke, in some countries, and they continue working their shifts...I hope the B12 gives you some relief so your pain becomes more manageable.
Thankyou
Iv recently been to my Dr to have all my b vitamin levels checked plus foliate & thyroid, liver & kidney.
I but will a regular test deem me deficiant without the serum test?
Lastly would it harm me if I were to take 500mcg of the soluble type of b12? Would you recommend taking a magnese supplement too?
Even if my test comes back ok is it still ok to take b12 in the hope it could help repair nerve sheaths ? X
A regular blood serum test is unlikely to correctly identify a deficiency if there is one, there are a raft of reasons why including your ability to methylate B12 (some people have a gene mutation - MTHFR which renders them unable to get the B12 circulating in their blood into their cells where it is used, and so get a high reading of blood serum B12). This is why I added Metfolin and TMG into the protocol I used, (to help methylate the B12, as well as potassium.
Also, the low end of the laboratory reference range is too low. This is why most studies underestimate true levels of deficiency. Many B12 deficient people have so-called “normal” levels of B12.
Yet it is well-established in the scientific literature that people with B12 levels between 200 pg/mL and 350 pg/mL – levels considered “normal” in the U.S. – have clear B12 deficiency symptoms. Experts who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of B12 deficiency, like Sally Pacholok R.N. and Jeffery Stewart D.O., suggest treating all patients that are symptomatic and have B12 levels less than 450 pg/mL. They also recommend treating patients with normal B12, but elevated urinary methylmalonic acid (MMA), homocysteine and/or holotranscobalamin (other markers of B12 deficiency).
In Japan and Europe, the lower limit for B12 is between 500-550 pg/mL, the level associated with psychological and behavioral manifestations such as cognitive decline, dementia and memory loss. Some experts have speculated that the acceptance of higher levels as normal in Japan and the willingness to treat levels considered “normal” in the U.S. explain the low rates of Alzheimer’s and dementia in that country.
I took 1000mcg per day, the only side effect was a slight worsening of symptoms for a couple of days at one point, they are water soluble so you can't overdose, your body will use what it needs and excrete the rest. You do need potassium however, as you can otherwise experience leg cramps as B12 does use up quite a bit of potassium why it works its magic.
Good luck!
I get Methylcobalamin a Japanese brand from Vitamin B12 Online, their web address is the same as their name with the old dot com at the end.
Well I just got tested for anemia. I thought for sure I was low in either iron, B12, or folate. But as it turned out my B12 was 1600 which is excessively high. The high normal is 800. And bare with me because I'm am rounding the numbers. But my point is it hasn't helped my pain at all.
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