Blood results- tips to boost levels

[Mm109]

I’m really sorry the vague blood test readings. I recently went to the GP who asked me to go for blood tests after I explained I’d been having some palpitations and fatigue. The doctors asked me to go back in for the results and the Doctor told me my B12 level was low at 122.. he said it should be above 150. He told me to come back in 3 months for more blood tests and that was kind of it. Is there anything I can do/eat/take to improve them in this time? Is this a particularly low level 122? Thanks for your time In advance

[FlipperTD]

Hi. If you can stomach it, liver is a very good source of B12, and also of iron. It was the original treatment for B12 deficiency before we had even discovered exactly what vitamin B12 was! If liver isn't an attractive idea, B12 tablets can be bought over the counter. If you don't have absorption problems they should help.

Good luck.

[Gambit62 Administrator]

Do you eat meat/fish/egg/cheese. These are all good sources of B12

Did your GP ask you about your diet at all?

If you have a dietary deficiency the treatment would be 50mcg B12 tablets 3x daily for a few months. See a pharmacist about supplements.

If you do have a good range and amount of animal products in your diet then the deficiency isn't dietary. You need loading shots to enable you to get your B12 levels up.

I suggest you go back to your GP if you do eat meat and point out that your deficiency isn't dietary but an absorption problem, and ask to be treated on that basis - investigate to rule out H pylori infection and treat that if necessary - and start you on B12 injections to raise your levels. High dose oral (1000mcg+) can be effective in treating B12 absorption problems but it doesn't work for everyone and it would be slow in raising B12 levels and you really need to raise them quickly. You also need to know if you had any signs of macrocytic anaemia - but that isn't present in at least 20% of people when the first present with B12 deficiency.

[palmier]

So the GP isn't doing anything about it for three months? I think it should be followed up with MMA immediately to see if that's elevated (an indication of b12 deficiency). If you manage to restore your b12 levels on your own you may not get a proper evaluation and treatment.

Low b12 should be taken seriously. You shouldn't have to wait three months for further evaluation. Especially if you have any neurological symptoms, because those are easier to reverse if treated early. If left without treatment the may become chronic.

The time to test for MMA and homocystein is now, before you start eating extra b12.