B12 Deficient Newby

[Wolf79]

Hi All.

Having recently been diagnosed with B12 deficiency I have been reading the posts here with interest. I am learning quickly but still have a few questions that my doc can't/won't answer.

I have yet to be diagnosed with PA or the reason for my deficiency. It isn't to do with diet as I eat all of the foods listed as high in B12. After reading much around the issue I am fairly sure I will test positive for PA as I have experienced a number of the symptoms listed here over the last 15-20 years.

The first question I have is about measured levels. My doc tells me I tested at 113, he tells me 'that isn't particularly low' although it was enough to immediately start me on loading doses. I know this is below the official lower limit, but is it particularly normal in the world of lower levels?

My doc wants to send me for another blood test for Intrinsic Factor and to check for other possible causes. I have however, just had the frequency of B12 injections increased after I pointed out I was presenting with neurological symptoms. Having read here that the test for Intrinsic Factor, in particular, can be affected if B12 injections are taking place, I am wondering how long before taking the test I would have to stop the injections to allow it to be most accurate?

Thanks for reading.

[Teloch]

Hi think you need to be free from b12 supplements for at least two weeks before having the IF test?

Also the IF test is only 40-60 % accurate meaning if results come back negative you could still have PA.

A b12 level of 113 is low which ever way you look at it, when I first started learning about b12 levels something like two years ago now, anything under 200 was deemed deficient. (mine was 140)

Hope this helps and I'm sure someone with a lot more knowledge than myself will correct any of the above if need be?

Best wishes .

[Gambit62 Administrator in reply to Teloch]

it actually depends on exactly what test method is being used for IFA - some more modern methods and kit only require 24 hours since last injection - but, as B12Bill says, best would be to leave it at least 10 days to rule out the possibility of a false positive.

[fbirder]

Whether or not 113 is low, or very low, depends on the units used, the test and who has run it. Different methods and different labs have different normal ranges.

Hull and East Yorkshire have a normal range that starts at 115 pmol/L. My practice has a range that starts at 180 mg/L (which translates to about 130 pmol/L).

Sensible doctors will treat people who are in the bottom of the normal range but who show the symptoms of a deficiency.

[Wolf79]

Thanks for the responses. Very glad I have found this forum, it's going to be a valuable resource on this journey. Feeling good today, just managed my first self injection. Work away from home so its the only way I can keep up the regular doses. Luckily I have an understanding doctor (so far).