B12 SUPPLEMENTING BEFORE TESTS

[loulou42]

Hi I am going for my second round of tests for PA.I was told by my doctor that it didnt matter if I took b12 supplements at time of testing as they would not do anything in changing the results as B12 supplements do not help at all with the syptoms of PA.Can anyone please tell me if this is correct.

[shellywidga]

Hi LouLou,

Please read the following Link.

It clearly states not to supplement before testing as it will skew the results.

b12deficiency.info/what-to-...

[loulou42 in reply to shellywidga]

Thankyou so much SHELLYWIDGA.I really appreciate your help.The link you provided is fantastic and has answered lots of questions.Just hope I get the right diagnosis this time. Thanks again

[fbirder]

It depends on what they're testing. If it's B12 then supplements would make the tests meaningless, if they're trying to confirm PA by testing for IF antibodies then supplements will have no effect.

[Sleepybunny]

I think that B12 supplementation can affect MMA, homocysteine and Active B12 results as well as serum B12.

Taking B12 is likely to affect some results in a FBC (Full Blood Count). The FBC can be useful in checking for signs of a macrocytic anaemia. High MCV and high MCH can indicate the possibility of macrocytosis. I have supplemented B12 for over 2 years and my MCV results have slowly lowered.

patient.info/doctor/macrocy...

Are you also supplementing folate? Taking folate may affect MCV levels.

[loulou42 in reply to Sleepybunny]

Thankyou so much SLEEPYBUNNY for the information it has been a great help.Just hope I get the correct diagnosis this time.And yes I am taking a folate supplement.Thanks again

[Laura5]

Actually, you are more likely to get a false positive test for IF antibodies if you have recently had a B12 injection - so B12 treatment can affect the results of antibody tests but not in the way you would expect.

[Laura5 in reply to Laura5]

Here's a reference for that comment: mayomedicallaboratories.com...

[loulou42]

Thankyou so much LAURA5 The information you gave has been a great help.