Dr Porter today’s Times Newspaper - Pernicious Anaemi...

Pernicious Anaemia Society

32,672 members24,065 posts

Dr Porter today’s Times Newspaper

Alfabeta profile image
15 Replies

Dr Porter gives a warning about b12 in today’s Times newspaper - a timely article and a breath of fresh air from a Doctor?

If you are doing Veganuary and want a happy new year, watch out for B12 deficiency

thetimes.co.uk/article/b12-...

Happy and healthier New Year to you all.

Written by
Alfabeta profile image
Alfabeta
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
15 Replies
helvella profile image
helvella

From the linked article:

However, it is a hard vitamin to assimilate even if you follow a normal diet because it requires specific conditions for absorption — plenty of stomach acid, the presence of a protein called “intrinsic factor” (IF) and a healthy bowel.

What impact does the bowel have? I thought the major absorption of B12+IF was far further up the gut - in the ileum.

Alfabeta profile image
Alfabeta in reply tohelvella

I wondered about that! However, I thought it a breath of fresh air to have such a prominent doctor both accepting and warning about b12 deficiency and warning about the use of PPIs. I am a vegetarian and was a vegan and became b12+deficient because I was ignorant of b12 and my deficiency was assisted by me doctor putting me on 10mg Omaprezole on 6 monthly recurring prescription which lasted until my diagnosis.

fbirder profile image
fbirder in reply tohelvella

He is using 'bowel' for laypeople, rather than 'gastrointestinal tract'. 'Small bowel' used to be, and sometimes still is, used as a synonym for 'small intestine'.

helvella profile image
helvella in reply tofbirder

Probably right - I never use the word for the small intestine so tend not to think of it ever being so used.

fbirder profile image
fbirder

Annoyingly behind a paywall. And Mr Murdoch doesn't get any of my cash.

Alfabeta profile image
Alfabeta in reply tofbirder

Sorry about that, but, as you have found out, I found a simpler way to post it.

Gambit62 profile image
Gambit62Administrator in reply toAlfabeta

Alfabeta - we have had to delete your subsequent post as copying and pasting an article that you have access to because of a subscription, but is not available to the general population infringes copyright. Giving a precis of the article would be acceptable but not copying and pasting in its entirety.

Personally there are some simplifications in the article that border on being misleading but it is encouraging to see the prevalence of absorption problems acknowledged.

Alfabeta profile image
Alfabeta in reply toGambit62

Sorry, I didn’t realise that it was an offence. Hope you have a nice evening, b12/PA permitting, and thank you for all your help and advice this year.

Imogenta profile image
Imogenta

Wow. Perhaps finally some decent information is hitting the mainstream. Not the need to treat symptoms rather than levels though : 2-3 monthly injections is not going to help most with PA

Leils profile image
Leils

May not get chance to login and read it but I've started following a different campaign: 'Organuary' - in order to get more nutrition and waste less meat.

May be a healthier choice for those with B12 deficiency and organ meats mentioned frequently in Wahl's protocol as a diet for those with auto immune illness.

Survivorette profile image
Survivorette

Keep me in loop about FOI findings. Twice IFAB positive. It absolutely appears they are reversing my diagnosis based on high b12 plus MMA inexplicably run 8 years into treatment. New algorithms.

Chance15 profile image
Chance15 in reply toSurvivorette

To survivorette

Always remember that them b12 is coming out of your doctors surgery budget that’s all it is saving money.And in the mean times we then develop other health problems ie heart problems lung problems etc.that then developers more expense on the nhs..As well as yourself more health problems through neglegence on the nhs.

I to was on 8weekly then stopped after 2 months I seen my doctor had to beg to more injections this time every 3 months.Then got doctors letter telling me that I was not having no more jabs ever.

I’ve made another appointment in jan to see same doctor who started it.I know he won’t continue jabs I will av to beg.

palmier profile image
palmier in reply toChance15

They should have to pay for not following the guidelines. It's like they can ignore them and it costs them nothing.

helvella profile image
helvella in reply topalmier

A double-edged sword. If they agree more frequent injections, maybe every two weeks, that too is not following guidelines. But if it is what someone needs, that is good and proper. Should the doctor who puts the patient ahead of the guidelines have to pay?

Survivorette profile image
Survivorette in reply toChance15

Shoot! I’ll pay for it all myself and give myself the shots. The treatment of this cheapest to treat of all incurable diseases is....disturbing.

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

found this in todays Times newspaper

Vitamin B12 deficiency is underdiagnosed — here’s what to look for July 17 2023, The Times The...

Dr. Mark Porter's B12 Times article

Further to @[278418]'s post I decided to risk my credit card and subscribed to the free trial of...
Sneedle profile image

Article states b2 deficiency the cause of functional b12 deficiency

what do you all think about this article which states serum b12 can be falsely elevated if there is...
B12life profile image

Article about strange symptoms of B12 deficiency

Hi, Just came across this article and wondered what you all thought of it......
Sleepybunny profile image

The Times today

Dr Mark Porter has written a column on b12 deficiency. I have emailed him to ask if he could take...
jillc39 profile image

Moderation team

See all
Gambit62 profile image
Gambit62Administrator
Foggyme profile image
FoggymeAdministrator
taka profile image
takaAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.