Low Fasting Gastrin.

[lownskater52]

Hey guys,

I had a blood test done recently and got some of the normal tests done. I got a CBC and HGB/HCT came back normal and I got an MMA test done and it came back at 99 (0-378 normal) so all of that checks out.

This time though I did get a serum gastrin test for the first time. It came back at <10 (0-115 normal). I had fasted with water only for about 13 to 14 hours prior.

I guess this rules out PA for the most part and leaves my b12d reason as my strict vegan diet for 10 years correct? Is there any negative aspects of really low fasting gastrin? I havent found any online really.

Thanks guys.

[Gambit62 Administrator]

I suspect that low fasting gastrin may not necessarily mean much. Gastrin production is prompted by eating ... and then requires a certain level of acidity to turn it off. If you hadn't eaten for 13 hours before hand then low gastrin might have occurred regardless of whether you have PA or not, but I'm only guessing here.

[lownskater52 in reply to Gambit62]

Hey Gambit thanks for the reply. The test instructions told me to fast for 12-14 hours prior so I think it was done right at least.

[fbirder]

Yes, a low fasting gastrin level does rule out hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid) which is a result of gastric atrophy. Even a fasting gastrin test will show high levels if you do have low acid (mine did). Otherwise there would be zero point in doing the test.

Low gastrin isn't anything to worry about - webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/wha...

[lownskater52 in reply to fbirder]

Wow thank you for the info fbirder. Learning more and more about myself by the day.

[lownskater52 in reply to fbirder]

So now that I know that my fasting gastrin levels are super low, would it make sense to get the test again but shortly after a meal just to make sure that the gastrin production does indeed come on after eating?

[Survivorette]

You’re lucky. Eat meat.