Yes. So wat does that mean? I have sent away for a urine test from medichecks to test the m acid. (Cant remembwr what it is called. Because i read somewhere that under 70 active b12 reading this would be tested in a london hospital. I have massive hairloss and thinnninv
MMA - is test for a waste product that builds up if you don't have enough B12 getting through to your cells - and is best done in urine as this is the easiest way of checking that other conditions that can raise MMA aren't involved.
The test results imply that you don't have a problem absorbing B12 from your diet but that your body may then struggle to get it into your cells. The MMA test will help to clarify this. if it is the case then it is likely that you will be prescribed high dose B12 to take orally so that the levels of B12 in your blood are kept high enough for the amount your cells need to get to your cells.
What would have caused this problem? My intrinisc factor was 0.6 the level was less than 6. I was treated for h pylori in september past. Suspected gastritis as well.
Thanks will let you know how i get on with the test i hace had to get this all done privately. Gps are no good. There is no family history of b12 def or.blood disorders of any kind. Not even thyroid problems.
Are you in UK? I'm asking because patterns of B12 treatment vary from country to country.
In UK, this flowchart from BSH Cobalamin and Folate Guidelines indicates that people should be treated if they are symptomatic for B12 deficiency even if b12 level is within range. It also suggests continuing B12 treatment if patient responds even if secondary diagnostic tests such as MMA, Homocysteine and Active B12 (holotranscobalamin) are normal range (see bottom right part of flowchart).
Flowchart from BSH Cobalamin and Folate Guidelines
Would your GP consider a trial of B12 treatment if you are symptomatic?
Functional B12 Deficiency links
Some people have plenty of b12 in blood but not enough gets into the cells. There are people on this forum who have been diagnosed with functional B12 deficiency.
Thanks for all this information. Yes i am uk. Gp said there was nothig wrong with my b12. Refused to test. I got these tests through medichecks. I am doing the urine test tmw morning. It arrived this afternoon. I recieved a big plastic container to store all urine in over 24 hours and a small tube. There doesnt appear to be a large return bag for the big container so i have emailed them if they want this returned too. If the do i would think i would need on of their return bags for it. It says i should get the results in 16 days i assume those are working days. So3 weeks time. I have registered with a new gp yesterday. The old gp practice was astrocious. Ignore symptoms. I dont know what sypmtoms to look out for b12 def. Will have a read of your info. Thanks for it.
Flowchart in post above mentions that people who are symptomatic for B12 deficiency should have an IFA Intrinsic factor antibody test. This can help to diagnose PA.
I was actually told by a gp i went to see provately that my folate was very high and to stop.taking whatever i was taking as i didnt need it to raise folate. I was takig floradix tablets.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.