B12 & MMA Test result

[jamjar67]

Following on from my last post I have my MMA results, photo attached. I will put my most recent Thyroid test results which include active B12 although I have been supplementing.

5/4/19

TSH 0.264 (0.27 - 4.2)

FT3. 4.51. 3.1-6.8

FT4. 21.4. 12-22

Active B12. 155. (37.5 - 188)

Folate. 19.8 (3.89 - 26.8)

Vit D. 85.8. (50 -175)

Ferritin. 48. (13-150)

CRP 0.89. <5

5/2/19

Levo dose 50/75mcg

TSH 2.34. (0.27 - 4.2)

FT3. 4.43. 3.1-6.8

FT4. 15.6 12-22

Active B12. 123. (37.5 - 188)

Folate. 14.48 (3.89 - 26.8)

Vit D. 97.1. (50 -175)

Ferritin. 14.1. (13-150)

After my last test I started taking a very high strength sublingual B12 supplement and it looks to me like my body is absorbing it, so as my MMA is low does that now rule out any issue with B12.

I am trying to get to the bottom of the ringing in my ears and a weird sensation in my head, it had been pointed out to me it could be B12 🤔

Thankyou for any thoughts 😊

[fbirder]

You are obviously absorbing the B12 from the sublinguals, so you don’t have PA. The B12 is getting into your cells, or MMA wouldn’t be low.

Have your symptoms improved?

[jamjar67 in reply to fbirder]

Still have symptoms although I had 2 short lived occasions in August when the ringing stopped and the sensation in my head felt like it almost wasn’t there... it was lovely but alas it came back

Atleast I can have a look at other things now , I guess it’s a process of elimination...I’m just at ENT having some tests..., see what they have to say...

Thankyou for all your help, so much appreciated

[Gambit62 Administrator]

whilst the symptoms you mention are amongst the symptoms of B12 deficiency they are also symptoms of a number of other conditions, including hypothyroidism.

the high active B12 in the tests above and MMA being in range suggests that B12 isn't the issue here.

more likely to be thyroid related - particularly if you have an issue with T4/T3 conversion

suggest you follow up on TUK

[jamjar67 in reply to Gambit62]

Thanks for that...., I just wanted to rule B12 before I move on...I’m at ENT today and then I’m going to do another Thyroid test including RT3 as I wonder if poor conversion and so low T3 could be the cause..... Thankyou for your reply

[Sanders1]

Hi jamjar67

I also have a strange B12 issue no one can seem to figure out. I have high serum B12 and high active B12. My homocystein, MMA, gastrin, and intrinsic factor are normal. BUT my naturopath did a micronutrients test from Spectracell labs that said my lymphocytes show severe deficiency of B12 @ 14% and recommended injections for 3 months. I do also have a thyroid issue (Hashimotos) and take a T4/T3 combo. My ferritin is on the low end as well. They can't seem to figure out how to get the B12 into the cell. I consulted with a professor at UC Davis and he said I could have a transport problem (TCN1??) Essentially the transporter could be damaged even with a normal MMA. I do have multiple genetic B12 deficiency markers (MTR,MTRR, TCN1, TCN3) But when I inject I get edema and crash very hard with severe fatigue. I have all symptoms of B12 deficiency...neuropathy (numbness whole body and burning on the tops of both hands), memory loss, fatigue, confusion, severe muscle weakness etc. But don't seem to improve with injections. I feel like my body needs the B12 but when it gets it it doesn't know how to process it or get it to my tissues/cells etc. I have also been told it could be related to Lyme disease. But the jury is still out on that. I wish I had an answer for you...just know you are not alone and I wouldn't discount the B12 deficiency just yet if you are having symptoms.

[jamjar67 in reply to Sanders1]

Wow, what a journey you have been on..., have you had to fund and navigate all this yourself? It sounds like you are getting closer to the route of your problem, I hope so.

It gets very complicated.... the ENT has referred me for an MRI scan and I’ve ordered some cortisol tests and a Thyroid Ultravit Test which includes RT3 - I’m currently on levo but have established I am Heterozygous for DIO1 & DIO2 and last time I checked my T4 was top of range whilst T3 was only 38%. I think my next thing is to try T4/T3 combo and see if that helps 🤔 My iron was on the low side last time I checked although I’m trying to raise it- I read recently thru The Thyroid Patients Manual fb group about a woman who’d tried everything but once she got her iron optimal she felt much better as apparently the body needs iron to utilise the Thyroid Hormones properly

The micronutrient Test sounds interesting I’ve not heard of that one? How did you come across that?

It’s easy to get fed up and feel a bit beat looking for answers..., you’ve done really well to find all this out!!!

I will come back to B12 if all else fails!

Thanks for sharing your info with me!! 😊

[waveylines]

I think your strongest link is the poorer conversion you have of thyroid hormones. Hypothyroidism is called the great mimic of multiple conditions as it can display a wide divergence of symptoms which doctors often miss. Adding T3 in or going onto a ndt would indeed be a wise next move. Your test showing you are positive for D102 if I rember correltly is an affirmation of thyroid hormone conversion problems. The NHS should recognise this and allow you T3 though they may insist on you seeing an endo. Thyroid uk have ndt & t3 friendly list of endo in the uk.

B12 is vital for uptake and conversion of thyroid hormones so keeping yorself well supplemented is a good idea, Also yes its important to improve your iron levels. Both are typically low in hypothyroidism that is not optimally treated. So in my non medical opinion I think you are on the right lines....

[jamjar67 in reply to waveylines]

Thanks for that, it’s really reassuring to hear from someone more experienced than myself with s greater understanding so I really do appreciate all your comments x I’ve ordered my tests and added a homocysteine as I’ve done everything else so may as well check it out!!

I have the endo list from thyroid Uk but it only recommends a private endo in my area - do you think I should have a stab at NHS 1st or just go straight to private - I’m worried if I go private NHS def won’t consider me - not sure how all that works 🤔