B12 blood results help please

[Cheryl1986]

Blood results for b12 serum was 391 ng/L (range 181- 900 ng/L)

Also my iron ferritin was 10 ug/L (range 10-291.00 ng/L) and has risen to 23 ug/L after 4 weeks of prescribed ferrous fumurate from DR.

My question is would I get symptoms of b12 deficiency with 391? I know it's within "range" but is it the low end of the within range? Just need so advice on this thank you

My symptoms

Light headeness - constantly feeling it

Exhausted even after sleep

Tired

Brian fog

[fbirder]

No, 391 is very close to the average normal value. Half the population have a value lower than that with no deficiency.

Your symptoms can just as easily be explained by an iron deficiency anaemia - which seems distinctly possible with your ferritin result.

It can take three months for all of your red cells to be replaced, so recovery from iron deficiency can take a while.

[Cheryl1986 in reply to fbirder]

Thank you for your advice x

[Gambit62 Administrator]

Whilst it is possible to be deficient at the cell level with a serum level of 391 ng/L it is unlikely that B12 deficiency is the problem, unless you have a previous test that showed a much higher level.

The symptoms of B12 deficiency overlap with a number of other conditions, including iron deficiency.

Your ferritin levels were low which points more towards iron deficiency and iron deficient anaemia. Correcting an iron deficiency can take a while.

[Cheryl1986 in reply to Gambit62]

Thanks for he reply x

[Rugbyslammer]

Anyone reading Cheryl’s post Please reply because I am in exactly the same situation.

[Cheryl1986 in reply to Rugbyslammer]

Have you low ferritin ? x

[Rugbyslammer]

Yes I am under a neurologist for restless leg syndrome and I have iron infusions about every 18 months... what symptoms does your low iron cause?

[Cheryl1986 in reply to Rugbyslammer]

What level was your ferritin? What other symptoms do you have? ... My ferritin was 10 u/gl just over 4 weeks ago I started ferrous fumurate 210 mg , 3 tablets a day. I have been having lightheaded, heart palpitations, restless legs. Brain fog and tiredness, my ferritin has gone up to 22 u/gl and symptoms have slightly improved from 4 weeks ago but not gone away x