Anti-parietal cells antibody positive : newly discovered.

[yukithehamster]

Hi everyone,

Today I received my lab result with positive parietal cells antibody. And negative anti-intrinsic factor.

My thyroid panel(standard panel) did not reveal any abnormality. My B12 level and folate level are both on the low normal range. B12: 170 (138-652)

I am not a vegan. In the last 10 years I have battled with indigestion problems.

Does anyone have similar lab results as me or know of what can be the possible problem? As my B12 is still in normal range is it safe for me to take intramuscular B12 injection?

Can anyone who have any experience on this share some insights or experience? My mcv is 99. Hb is 13.5. Total wbc : 6.5 Platelet : 286

I am in my early 30s, of chinese ethnic.

Thank you in advance!

[clivealive Forum Support]

Hi yukithehamster

Is your doctor willing to treat your low B12 as he or she should know that your thyroid problems put you at risk of developing a deficiency?

Sadly the Intrinsic Factor Antibody (IFA) test is unreliable in that it gives false negatives in people with PA half the time. So a negative result doesn't mean that you don't have PA. However, a positive result is a sure-fire, 95% certain indicator of PA.

Symptoms of B12 deficiency tend to develop slowly and may not be recognised immediately. As the condition worsens, common symptoms include:

Weakness and fatigue

Light-headedness and dizziness

Palpitations and rapid heartbeat

Shortness of breath

A sore tongue that has a red, beefy appearance

Nausea or poor appetite

Weight loss

Diarrhoea

Yellowish tinge to the skin and eyes

If low levels of B12 remain for a long time, the condition also can lead to irreversible damage to nerve cells, which can cause the following symptoms:

Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet

Difficulty walking

Muscle weakness

Irritability

Memory loss

Dementia

Depression

Psychosis

Was you Folate level tested with your other tests?

It is also important that your Folate level is monitored as this is essential to process the B12.

There is a complex interaction between folic acid, vitamin B12 and iron. A deficiency of one may be "masked" by excess of another so the three must always be in balance.

Symptoms of a folate deficiency can include:

symptoms related to anaemia

reduced sense of taste

diarrhoea

numbness and tingling in the feet and hands

muscle weakness

depression

Folic acid works closely with vitamin B12 in making red blood cells and helps iron function properly in the body and your B12 levels are "bumping along the bottom" of the range.

As for the safety of intramuscular B12 injections you cannot "overdose" on it as any excess is excreted via the urine.

I am not a medically trained person but I've had P.A. (a form of B12 deficiency) for more than 45 years, had an injection this morning and I'm still "clivealive" and over 75..

I wish you well

[yukithehamster in reply to clivealive]

Hi clivealive,

my thyroid panel so far is normal. And my folate is in the low normal range.

Thank you for your reply. I am waiting to see a specialist and do additional tests.

[wedgewood]

Sounds rather like PA. when I read of your low B12 and read of your indigestion problems , as PA antibodies attack your parietal cells and so you have low/no stomach acid which will affect your stomach flora . Disturbed stomach flora will give you digestion problems. Like bloating and stomach pain .Thos can be helped with a good probiotic e.g. Symprove (expensive !) There are cheaper ones , or you can make your own ( organic , raw sauerkraut ) Also drink diluted organic apple cider vinegar . Best of luck !

[yukithehamster]

Hi Eaoz

I am not sure if these symptoms are related to B12 deficiency. ie: constant dry mouth that makes me feel gaggy, sensitivity to bright lights cause nausea, fatigue/weakness, feel giddy easily, numbness on legs and arms very quickly when squatting, or sleeping with arms below pillow. Also, I tested B12 twice this year they were all in low normal range 170(138 - 652) and 10 years ago I tested was 200. I don't think that it should constantly be on the low normal end.