Do I need to take a B complex with the B12

[EiCa]

I am reading all over that I need to take a whole bunch of B vitamins along with the B 12 in order for it to work. Do I really need B1, B2, B6 and folate to bring up my B12 levels. I have symptoms from all B vitamins so I don’t want to make myself worse. My MMA is very high as is my homocysteine. My doctor has not ordered the IFA yet to see if this is PA...she wasn’t as concerned about the cause as she was about my test results.

[fbirder]

No. This is a common myth.

If you have a B12 deficiency then taking other B vitamins will do absolutely nothing to help that deficiency. The only thing that will increase your B12 levels will be to get more B12 into your body.

If you have a B12 deficiency caused by autoimmune gastric atrophy (if you have PA) then you will probably find that absorption of other things, especially folate, Vitamin D, and iron, are affected.

[EiCa in reply to fbirder]

Thank you.

[Lyntwo]

In my own experience, once diagnosed with anemia, and given the B12 injections of the 'loading dose' sequence I found immediate relief. however the effectiveness of the that relief, in my own circumstances, fell back. I required self injection more frequently than prescribed.

I also found that alternating injections, B12 once a week with B Complex once a week, that is two injections a week, along with the daily prescribed iron pill and vitamin D capsule, seem to work best for myself. I self inject.

I am in America, and unfortunately have been given medical advice concerning my anemia from knowledge that is fifty or so years old with a great reluctance by many MD's to prescribe B12 shots. They have a tendency to to want to cease injections and revert to B12 tablets, which if your body is unable to obtain through the digestive tract is absurd. This is more to do with orthodoxy and Insurance protocols and is a complex backstory to the present situation.

I hope this perspective helps you.

[EiCa in reply to Lyntwo]

It is very helpful. Thank you.

[Sleepybunny]

Hi,

I wrote a very detailed reply in link below to another thread on the forum. It has lots of B12 info which may be of interest to you. Some of the info is UK specific.

healthunlocked.com/pasoc/po...

[EiCa in reply to Sleepybunny]

Thank you Sleepybunny. I read it all. There is so much to absorb (literally and figuratively) at the onset of all this. I appreciate you sharing your time.