Is B12 blood test normal once injections have been given?

[Tangerine1990]

Hi all,

I have non-dietary B12 deficiency with a negative test for IF antibodies. I've been referred to a gastroenterologist to investigate GI problems so no diagnosis of PA and it could well be something else, but posting here for experiences with B12 jabs.

My question - I've just finished my 6 top up injections and been told to come back in 3 months for a blood test to check whether my levels are ridiculously high before another dose is given. Is this normal, or should I expect my GP practice to just give me the injection? Can B12 levels be 'too high'?

I'm afraid they'll put me back to being deficient again before giving me any more jabs. Hopefully the gastroenterologist will be able to advise next month but in the mean time I'd like some pointers on this.

Thanks!

[EllieMayNot]

It is not recommended.

stichtingb12tekort.nl/weten...

Misconception #5 in below link:

stichtingb12tekort.nl/weten...

"One of the most common problems in the treatment of a vitamin B12 deficiency is that people receive insufficient injections to feel well. Often the serum B12 value is used to ascertain the frequency, or base treatment upon, but there is no correlation between the serum B12 value and the symptoms experienced by patients.

During vitamin B12 injections, transcobalamin and haptocorrin (transportproteins) are fully saturated with vitamin B12. So, serum and Active B12 values cannot be used to ascertain the effect of treatment; levels rise regardless of therapeutic effectiveness."

[Tangerine1990 in reply to EllieMayNot]

Thank you, I'll be asking the gastroenterologist about this too. If they don't back me up on the jabs I'll just have to write to the GP with those references. Im so sick of having to convince my GP to do their job properly.

[Vicky2822]

This is common practice in the UK. Very few gps understand the deficiency. You have the test, they say it’s high your fine now and stop treatment ( saving them money). From my interpretation of the guidelines the test should be performed to establish if your having enough b12 as in if it’s not increased much at the 12 wk mark you need more. You want it to be over 1,000 once on injections.

Sorry this isn’t much help. Just get as much info as you can in advance to try and prevent them doing this.