Test results

[BobbyStranger]

Hi there. Just received my B12 test results, and would appreciate some help interpreting the numbers.

Homocysteine 19 umol/l (0.0 - 15.0)

Active B12 >128 pmol/l (25 - 108)

Methylmalonic Acid 206 nmol/l (0 - 280)

Concerned re elevated Homocycteine, and the active B12 (always been high, despite no B12 supplements).

Thanks.

[Gambit62 Administrator]

This article talks about reasons why B12 may be high and was a discussion paper aimed at getting doctors to take high levels of B12 as a potential early indicator of a few potential problems.

It also talks about functional B12 deficiency - which can also occur with high serum B12 because the body produces anti-bodies to the transportation mechanism - meaning lots of B12 in blood but little getting to the cell level - not sure if the active B12 test is specific enough to identify if this is happening - not a biochemist.

qjmed.oxfordjournals.org/co...

Not clear from post if you are experiencing signs of b12 deficiency.

What are your folate levels like as folate deficiency could also lead to high homocysteine - though there are probably other possibilities as well that I am not aware of.

[BobbyStranger]

Thank you Gambit for the link. I will read it.

Yes, I have many symptoms, i.e. bad fatigue, mood swings, no energy or strength.

Btw, just like thyroid patients seeking out knowledgable doctors, is there anything re: B12 in the UK? I'm willing to go private if my doctor doesn't take notice.

[Gambit62 Administrator in reply to BobbyStranger]

Its a lottery to be honest - and going private doesn't necessarily help.

Unfortunately there is a huge overlap between B12 and thyroid conditions which probably covers most of the symptoms you mention so it may be quite difficult to get GP to listen but the article might at least get them to look at a few things that might be causing the elevated B12 levels.

Possible that the PAS itself might be able to help you - so may be worth joining.

Keep posting.

[BobbyStranger]

Well, injected some Hydro B12, and starting to feel better (even after 48 hrs). Will take 1mg every other day for a few weeks, and see how it goes.