High b12

[debbie40]

Hi first time posting just found out after self injecting that my b12 is 6000 and potassium is very low at 2.7 just had intervenous and my potassium is up to 3.7 now. I have had crohns for fifteen years and haven't had a problem until just about the last 3 months. The doctors can't seem to explain why I'm having all these problems now.

[Gambit62 Administrator]

potassium can be lowered when B12 is correcting anaemia if you had megaloblastic anaemia.

Crohn's is an absorption problem that can lead to B12 deficiency, but can also lead to other mineral and vitamin deficiencies and there is an overlap in symptoms.

B12 deficiency can take years to develop from an absorption problem because B12 is stored in the liver and it can take a long time to deplete this store. The sudden onset of symptoms probably reflects getting to the end of your stores ... and having high levels in your blood can actually cause other problems which then stop it getting from your blood to the cells where it is needed. If this is the case then MMA and homocysteine levels would be high as not enough B12 at cell level for them to be recycled (though can also be raised after other things). There isn't much by way of information on how to treat a functional B12 deficiency where there is an absorption problem - but counter-intuitively even larger doses of B12 can help - seems to ensure that there is enough in your blood so that some gets past the mechanism that is blocking it.

[Ladyawkward]

You've got to get a possatium prescription and take one a few times a week

[Steap]

If you have low potsssium and good kidney function then coconut water is ideal to keep hydrated and to get your potsssium naturally. It's around £2.50 a litre and you can get different flavours too.

Bananas are a good source too.

[debbie40]

I had intervenous and I am on potassium pills now but I do eat bananas. I will try coconut water I'm willing to give anything a try at this point. It's the same symptoms as having low b12. Thanks for the info.