Intrinsic factor/parietal cell testing

[Choox]

Unsure whether I should ask for these tests?

I have been treating myself with sublinguals for the last two years with good results however I seem to be having to up my usual 5000mcg daily to double most days...probably because I am now able to be much more active than before so using it up faster? My health is not optimal but I have a life back!

Over the last few months I've developed a constant hot tingling left foot & tingling/ numbness in my left hand and occasional restless leg syndrome...also suffering with lower backache & have constant tinnitus in my right ear.

My serum levels need to be above 2000 to stop my symptoms ramping up, specifically my balance...it goes very quickly if my levels drop even slightly.

I am concerned that I should now push for injections & just wondering if these tests would be advisable as any other testing (MMA etc) are pointless because of supplementing...or do I just take a higher oral dose?

Appreciate your thoughts

[suztango]

MMA would be a good test to do. stichtingb12tekort.nl/weten...

IF antibodies test is only positive for 50% of cases. Good if you are one of them. But if you are not, doctors are sometimes confused. A negative result should not rule you out if you do actually have PA.

[fbirder]

If oral B12 is getting your levels anywhere near 2000 than you do not need to take an antibody test, because you do not have Pernicious Anaemia. PA totally stops absorption of oral B12.

Ask to see a neurologist to pin down the cause of your tingling.

[Choox in reply to fbirder]

Thanks fbirder, I did wonder that hence my question. I'm seeing my GP next week, is it worth asking for trial injections first to see if the pins & needles improve or request a neurologist appointment?

[fbirder in reply to Choox]

No harm in asking for injections, although the doc will probably see no need for it as your levels are already very high.

But definitely ask for a referral. There are over 80 possible causes of peripheral neuropathy. A neurologist may be able to find out what causes yours.

[Choox in reply to fbirder]

I've read somewhere that there is only a 20% uptake of oral in the system with any one dose and as I'm having to take more & more to keep symptoms at bay I thought maybe trial injections, getting a full dose into my cells & keeping it there longer would be beneficial...and easier on the pocket! 😉

I will chat about neurologist

Thanks again 👍

[fbirder in reply to Choox]

The amount absorbed as is limited to about 13 mcg at a time.

But, if your levels are already close to 2000 then injections will make little difference. In fact, taking the oral B12 every day will do a better job of keeping levels high for longer.

[Nackapan in reply to Choox]

I personally would stick to your supplements that are maintaining high levels at present.