Afraid of B-12

[nattybru]

Hi All,

This is my first post here. I learned 4 years ago that I have low B-12 and started injections as well as supplements under the care of a naturopath. It quickly became apparent that my personality changed dramatically while receiving these supplements. I'm normally very quiet and laid back, but after B12, I would become a raging monster. Awhile after stopping the B12, I would go back to normal.

The naturopath tried a couple of different combinations and types of B12, as well as suggesting taking it with niacin, etc. I was so overwhelmed by the whole thing that I just stopped treatment. Since then, my B12 levels have unsurprisingly dropped (currently@ 290). I tried going back to oral supplements, but the rage always came back. My folate levels have*always* been normal.

Right now the symptoms are becoming unbearable: fatigue, major night sweats not related to menopause, memory problems, tongue sores, etc. I also have a genetic neurological disease that causes ataxia and other neurological symptoms, so it's difficult to know what is causing what. Also, I am always freezing yet sweaty.

I'm terrified of going back on B12. Does anyone else out there struggle with this? I can't tell what is worse, the disease or the treatment! I just know that if those rage symptoms come back, I will probably end up in prison, friendless, or just hating myself.

Thanks.

[Gambit62 Administrator]

I am guessing that you have tried methyl,hydroxo and cyanocobalamin and all had the same effect? Aware that methyl causes some people problems and we have recently had someone on the forum who reported problems with hydoxo.

healthunlocked.com/pasoc/po...

B12 is used in a lot of processes in the body - which includes those that affect neurological and neuro-psychiatric processes. Have come across some genetic variants that can mean some forms of B12 can affect these processes significantly - some COMT variants seem to go into overdrive with methyl B12 ... which leaves me wondering if the genetic neurological disease could be a clue to what is going on in your case.

This article discusses some of the genetic variants that can affect processing of B12

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

[Hidden]

Have you had your thyroid checked? I was diagnosed with underactive thyroid/Hashimoto's long before I had B12 problems and one of the worst symptoms was change in personality, like you I became a 'monster'. It might also be a good idea to check out your adrenals, those little guys can have a hard time keeping up when the body is under stress/inflammation/disease etc.

I am not saying that its the answer to the difficulties you are experiencing with your B12, but everything in the body works in concert so it might be helpful to rule them out.

[BiancaB12]

Thank you for sharing on the forum, there are probably many others who have experienced some degree of similar symptoms, so it helps to share and learn from each other. Could you describe the "rage" a little more? Is it violent frustration or a frenetic energy feeling?

I agree with Gambit62 that genetic variants can correlate with sensitivity to certain types of B12. It may help to start out with a small dose and keep a log of your reactions. Have you tried just 1ML or did you have a larger amount per injection? I do 1ML injection with methyl B12 every 4 days and that helps me avoid the rollercoaster of highs and lows I get with B12 treatment.

Methyl B12 in large doses, as well as methylized forms of other B vitamins, can make some people react in a hyperactive, overwhelming way, "jumping off the walls". My naturopath had me start with small doses of methyl B12 for that reason. We decided on methyl after seeing that my genetic background suggests I don't methylate properly, so an already methylized form is best.

If you've had your genetic profile examined, it might help your doctor see what would be good for you. Vitamin D has also helped a lot with mood balancing (I take 4000iu/day). Hope this helps and take care, hope you find a supportive solution soon.