Do I ask for more?

[Pepless]

Hello Everyone! I was just diagnosed with B12 deficiency (227 was my score). I have been taking a Bioactive liquid Methylcobalamin-Adenosylcobalamin supplement for 12 days now: 2500mcg for 7 days & 5000mcg for 5 days. I do not feel any better at this point. My Dr. did not test for intrinsic factor and did not speak about P/A. Shouldn’t I be feeling some benefit from supplements by now? Should I ask to be tested for P/A? My Dr. wants to recheck B12 levels in 6 mos, but I’m not comfortable waiting that long. I’d appreciate any feedback.

Thank you 🌺

[wedgewood]

If the liquid B12 oral supplement is having no effect ,on your symptoms , then it sounds like an absorbtion problem . Yes it would be good idea to be tested for PA ( Intrinsic Factor Antibodies ) BUT , it’s a VERY unreliable test . You can test negative and still have PA . If you are taking B12 supplements you will have a high blood serum B12 reading when your doctor retests , but this only shows what’s in your blood , not if any is getting into your cells .Once supplementation starts, testing for B12 is pointless . Symptoms must be treated , not test results . I would ask for B12 injections which is really the only way for PA patients to absorb B12 . It’s usual In the U.K. to have loading doses ( 6 over 2 weeks) then once every 3months if no neurological symptoms . Every 2 months if there are . This is insufficient for some PA patients who then have to self-inject. That’s another story! I’ve not heard of the supplement you are taking . Are you not in the U.K. where this forum is based ? Best wishes to you .

[Pepless in reply to wedgewood]

Spoke to my Drs office today and they want me to continue supplements for 3 mos and then test for PA. It has been strongly suggested I do injections, but I do do not want to be injected with Cyanocobalamin; which is what is used in the U.S. where I live. I feel better about this plan but still worried about all of this. If tests are unreliable, how do you ever know what’s going on? Thank you for time and advice.

I appreciate it.

[wedgewood in reply to Pepless]

You can obtain Methylcobalamin for injection in the USA. I obtained it from there myself when I was led to believe(falsely ) that it was superior to the cobalamin that is used here in the U.K. , Namely Hydroxocobalamin. If you are worried about the “Cyno” element , there’s no need . It’s minicsule.Like as much cyanide as in an apple pip. . One of our forum advisors, Clivealive , has used Cynocobalamin injections for 50 years . The I.F.A. test —Intrinsic Factor Antibody test is reliable if you test positive . Then you do have P.A. —- BUT if you test negative , you can still have P.A. If you are not benefiting from oral supplements , you can assume you have an absorbtion problem . I assume that you are not vegan or strictly vegetarian , are not taking any medications that interfere with B12 absorbtion like P.P.I.s , certain diabetes medications . etc. . Whatever , I do wish you the very best in solving your problem . I’ve been there myself , and didn’t find this site for ages whilst I was struggling with doctors here who don’t have much knowledge of P.A. . I can only suggest that you try Methylcobalamin injections if you do not want Cynocobalamin. I don’t think you can get Hydroxocobalamin in the U.S.A. You can obtain Hydroxocobalamin ampoules from German online pharmacies . Some will export to U.S.A .

[ButlerNM]

It sure how long you’ve had symptoms but I went undiagnosed for about 4 years. Demand an intrinsic factor test. If you have PA taking a pill is not going to help, you need it injected into muscle. Good luck!

[Pepless in reply to ButlerNM]

Found out today my Dr wants me to keep up with supplements and we will test for PA in 3 mos. I feel better with that plan ...

Appreciate your reply and input. This is all pretty confusing!