Supplements after injections guidance please

[mojo2460]

Hi, I finished my 6 loading B12 injections last Friday and now in between changing doctors because of me realising how bad my previous one was. He said that a level of 148 was "absolutely fine" so had to read out NICE guidelines to him and then he begrudgingly agreed to prescribe the injections. Anyway just wanted to know about supplements I should be taking.

I have been taking 4mg of Methylfolate everyday since injections started as that was also on low borderline. Also was prescribed high Vitamin D supplements as that was way below low range. Most people seem to say Potassium and Magnesium should also be taken. Please can you tell me what amounts I should be taking? Have noticed that my legs seem very stiff when getting out of a chair or bed since injections.

Also please can you inform me when my B12 / Folate and Vit. D blood Levels should next be taken to get the best idea of what is happening?

Injections have certainly given me a huge boost in energy.

Many thanks for your time

Pete

[Gambit62 Administrator]

measuring B12 levels - serum B12 doesn't mean much after loading shots unless it comes back low. GP may want to do it after 2 maintenance shots but unless you are still symptomatic it isn't necessary.

folate and vit D - really don't know answer - refer to GP - may be again that they deem it isn't necessary unless you are still symptomatic.

you can overdose on potassium and magnesium causes diarrhoea in a lot of people. If the injections are working for you I wouldn't recommend supplementing - but if you are thinking about it please talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

The folate is a high dose - assuming that it wasn't prescription - much larger than you are likely to need so would cut back to a much smaller dose - and even look at a supermarket brand of folic acid rather than expensive high dose methylfolate - whilst methyl may help a few its unnecessary for the vast majority of people. 400mcg of folic acid is generally okay.

Potassium can be an issue during loading doses if you have significant anaemia.

[mojo2460 in reply to Gambit62]

Thanks for reply. sorry my mistake, The folate I am taking is actually 400ug and not 4mg as I stated. I am guessing that I need Intrinsic Factor test soon to give a good idea if I actually have PA because if I have I am wondering if the Vit D or any other supplement are actually being absorbed

[Gambit62 Administrator]

the PAS does actually recommend trying to find out the cause of B12 absorption problems if possible as different causes have different consequences and you can be monitored for the development of other possible conditions - eg NETS in the case of PA as the cause. If the cause is h pylori infection then that can be treated. Coeliacs has another set of consequences ... as does Crohn's.

The current test for PA (IFA) is a long way from being conclusive if it comes back negative. Gastrin is a possible test that might have better success in diagnosing PA but the test isn't officially recognised at the moment.

IFA test only needs you to refrain from B12 supplementation for about 10 days - shorter for more modern assay methods - this is because supplementation can cause a false positive. The test doesn't have to be done with B12 serum.

[KimberinUS]

Rda for potassium is 4700 mgs. It is a lot. Rda for men for magnesium is 420 mgs.

I Try to get it from food but suppliment what i dont get.