Can B12 Deficiency lower immunity

[JillMaryC]

Hi. I've noticed that my immunity this last few years has become lowered. Since diagnosed with B12 if anything else goes amiss with health, e.g. Repeated shingles, the symptoms seem more severe than ever. Nerve pain increased. Plus I pick up viruses easily, stomach bugs, etc, at drop of a hat. I'm currently really rough, laid up with full blown classic influenza. Last week when getting three mthly official nurse B12 injection I was offered flu and pneumonia jabs. Oh no, I said, don't want those. Hah! That will teach me!

So my question is why this lowered immunity business? My immune system feels like a damp flannel at the moment. Why when unwell are symptoms so heightened? We eat good food, live in countryside, basically take care etc.

Any thoughts please?

[fbirder]

Yes, a B12 deficiency can affect the immune system. As well as complicated effects on immunomodulatuon - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl... - there is the simple fact that it can result in fewer white blood cells being produced. And those cells play an important part in immunity.

But there's also the fact that a B12 deficiency seems to lower the bar for feeling ill. A simple cold that, in the past I would have brushed off, can lay me low for a couple of days. I'm not getting infected more often, but any infection hits harder.

[JillMaryC in reply to fbirder]

Much appreciated speedy reply and info.

Hmmm, interesting reading report. I suspected as much. Just can't get GP on side to understand overall picture, so really helpful to understand more myself. Has made me wonder whether to up B12 Self injections whilst in midst of being poorly, or wait till back to 'normal'. Food for thought.

Many thanks

[Ritchie1268 in reply to JillMaryC]

It's so very sad really that our very own GP's don't recognise just how very debilitating this "Desease" is!

I'm now 51 & never even visited my GP surgery until a few years ago, now I'm worried I sound like a hypocondriac, when I just used to get on with it! Now, my body tells me what to do & it is so frustrating!

Just a shame the Dr's here & worldwide are yet to catch up with just how B12 deficiency can & does effect people!

[JillMaryC in reply to Ritchie1268]

I totally agree. I'm a life cup half full sort of person, (not empty) but lately have become a moaning Minnie - concerned as one minute friends and family say I'm looking better, next minute laid up again. Staying positive and taking responsibility is key, but so nice when there is more understanding! Wishing you well.

[Ritchie1268 in reply to JillMaryC]

My partner says I "rant" about things. But it's not a rant, it's just frustrating because I can no longer do simple things that I used to take for granted etc.

I worked from aged 14 every weekend till I left school, then worked for same company for 26years without having a single day off ill. Now I just sound like a bloody hypocondriac!

You too & take care.

[JanD236 in reply to fbirder]

Not sure I understand much of the ncbi article but I certainly agree with fbirder about B12d lowering the bar for feeling ill. I find myself amazed that friends with ‘just a cold’ or ‘a bit of a runny nose’ carry on with normal life, including exercising. Nowadays ‘just a cold’ has me in bed, drained and exhausted, for a day or two and restricted activities for a week!

It puzzles me but I think the article, or at least fbirder’s comments, validate how I feel.

[JillMaryC in reply to JanD236]

No the article language went over my head, but could glean from info and research summary about this lowering of immunity. Which is basically rubbish news. Phew.

[Marz]

How are your VitD levels ?

vitamindcouncil.org

grassrootshealth.net

People with certain AI conditions have low VitD ...

[JillMaryC in reply to Marz]

Yes. Think you might be right. Will investigate and consider best course of supplement.

Thank you

[Marz in reply to JillMaryC]

City Assays in Birmingham ( website of the same name ) send out Home Testing Kits - around 28 GBP's. Result is good around 100. VitD is fat soluble - I use Healthy Origins - a capsule with olive oil from Amazon. Magnesium is an important co-factor. Also VitK2-MK7 directs calcium away from arteries and into bones and teeth. VitD improves uptake of calcium from foods. Re-test at the end of winter.

My level is optimal but I still take 2500 iu's most days. Docs prescribe far too little.

[JillMaryC in reply to Marz]

Thank you. So helpful.

[Marz in reply to JillMaryC]

You're welcome !

[HelloSun]

It completely messes up your immune system. I also take longer to heal in general. If I get a bruise or a cut- it takes forever to heal. it is maddening.

[JillMaryC]

Yes! I agree. Think I need to research more about factors to prevent energy leaking, support and strengthen, promote healing, reduce inflammation, and basically help the body do its job. Aaaaaaagh!

[meitu]

Look online for "Immune Deficiency Foundation. A defective immune system is both over and under reactive. For most people, you can not have an over active immune response without parts of the system being under reactive. If you get sick easily, parts of your immune system is probably under reactive.