GPC Antibodies and Malabsorption

[Lavender-Flowers]

Hi,

I was curious if there is any information on what nutrients are not easily absorb if GPC antibodies are present along with low B12. I had B12 of 88 and GPCA when started on B12 in 2016, but was told categorically by my GP at the time not to take any vitamin tablets as they would not be helpful. Not finding that helpful I did start exploring vitamins and I currently find I need a lot of iron and b complex to feel somewhat ok but was wondering if I'm missing something?

Sadly I was never treated along the quality guidelines so have not seen a gastroenterologist. I have tried asking in the past only to be flatly refused because I don't have feelings of fullness after eating.

[Gambit62 Administrator]

GPCA isn't the problem it's what they do that is the problem.

Difficult to predict what might be affected. Folate problems are quite common with B12 absorption problems as both are mainly absorbed in the ileum.

Iron tends to be another mineral where it is common for absorption to be affected.

The human body isn't really designed to absorb nutrients from tablets so they can be quite an inefficent way of getting the nutrients you need ... if you can up dietary intake to cope that is generally the best but it isn't always going to be enough and that's when supplementation can help.

Be careful and make sure you understand whether overdosing is an issue before you start supplementing though - B6 is definitely one to watch. In terms of supplementing pharmacist likely to be more help on this than a GP but that's a rule of thumb.

[deniseinmilden in reply to Gambit62]

Thank you Gambit62 and Lavender-Flowers for your comments on this. It seems to be something I have trouble with but can't face the hassle of the health service to get definitive answers on it.

I find that I don't absorb much through my gut but am currently managing by putting supplements (and other tablets if I need them) under my tongue.

I don't know how long it will help for, but hey, it's OK at the moment!

I don't do this with iron (yet) as I find I can get some into me by taking iron bisglycinate on an empty stomach (1 hour before food and 2 hours afterwards). I obviously don't manage to convert other iron sources to heme iron as I need to eat red meat and fish at least twice a day (3x is best) and have found that avoiding sources of calcium and B6 when I eat the meat is much more effective.

I would be very interested in any other ideas that you have on the subject, please.

[Jet72 in reply to deniseinmilden]

I assume you mean parietal cell antibodies? I had this shown in my blood test. I already have a gastroenterologist who I was due to see in April. I called and asked for an earlier appointment which I had in August She immediately referred me for an endoscopy which has shown gastritis but not sure if autoimmune gastritis yet. I was also referred for an urgent CT as I had submucosal lesions..... Not sure if this is anything to do with b12 etc. Anyway my point is I had absolutely no symptoms of gastritis or anything else.

See another doctor. Oh and my b12 was 133 in March and I have been on b12 injections ever since.