B12 functional def

[faras66]

Hi,

I was diagnosed b12 and folate def Oct 2016. Received loading jabs over 2 weeks, then onto 12 weekly, i was still having issues and now 8 weekly. I had my first Neurology appt last week due to allsorts of neurological issues. He has ref me for a head and spine mri to rule out nerve damage etc, which i have April 10th, yes came through really quick for the NHS. He also ran bloods of MMA, Homocystiene, ferritin, folate and liver. He did say i may not be getting it at a cellular level. What might work for some may not work for you. He put on the blood form b12 functional and question mark. Now will the bloods still show something even though i am receiving jabs. I was only originally prescribed 1 month of folic acid back in oct 16, and gp said that will be fine. I have been taking 5mg folic acid over 3 days when my jab is due. Last one was 22nd Jan. The neuro did say if anything showed he will give me the treatment needed. Is it bad i am hoping something will show up. Last question is how long does the MMA, homocystiene take to come back with results. He did say he would write to my gp with results but im not a very patient person and will ring his secretary. Thanks

[Sleepybunny]

Hi,

This link mentions Functional B12 Deficiency

b12deficiency.info/b12-writ...

I think Functional B12 Deficiency is mentioned in 1st and 3rd books listed below.

"What You Need to Know About Pernicious Anaemia and B12 Deficiency" by Martyn Hooper

Martyn Hooper is the chair of PAS (Pernicious Anaemia Society). Book is up to date with UK b12 guidelines.

"Living with Pernicious Anaemia and Vitamin B12 Deficiency" by Martyn Hooper

Has several case studies.

"Could it Be B12?: An Epidemic of Misdiagnoses" by Sally Pacholok and JJ. Stuart (USA authors)

Very comprehensive with lots of case studies.

A search on internet for "functional B12 deficiency" will hopefully give links to more information.

I am not medically trained.

[faras66 in reply to Sleepybunny]

Thanks for the link and all the information. I will have a proper look through tomorrow when im not so tired

[Gambit62 Administrator]

functional B12 deficiency is all the symptoms of B12 deficiency but with high levels in blood.

one possible cause is a reaction to high serum B12 which interferes with the transfer of B12 from blood to cells, leaving your cells without the B12 they need to do everything they do but you still have lots in your blood.

The tests that the neuro is running will be looking for waste products that build up when your cells don't have enough B12 - homocysteine and MMA

The good news is that B12 isn't toxic and the easiest way of treating a functional B12 deficiency is to keep your B12 levels really high so enough manages to get through

[faras66 in reply to Gambit62]

Thank you for replying and all the info. If it does come back showing functional deficiency, would the treatment be more regular injections. It sounds terrible but im really hoping something shows up.

[Gambit62 Administrator in reply to faras66]

more regular injections is likely to be the outcome - as it sounds as if your neurologist has some understanding of what may be going on given the investigations that they are doing.

[faras66 in reply to Gambit62]

Thanks for your help. I was happy with the appt and hopefully something positive comes from this.

[Marybrown06]

Hi,

MMA takes 4 weeks in France whereas B12 blood test 1 dat.. we have to be very patient

[faras66]

Thank you for replying. I dont seem to have much patients nowdays lol