Alcohol and PA

[Dakota17777]

Does consumption of alcohol affect your b12 absorption and storage?

[Louise234cats]

Yes

[Eric69 in reply to Louise234cats]

Can I ask, why, how and what's the implications if you do drink alcohol, while on b12 injections.? I've recent been diagnosed and having my first lot of 6 injections but the gp never said dont drink, as he doeswhen I'm on certain antibiotics.

[JanD236 in reply to Eric69]

It’s not that alcohol interacts with injections, it’s more a matter of how it makes you feel.

I’d say it’s entirely up to you whether you drink or not. Many people report on this forum that drinking alcohol makes them feel terrible (myself included), whereas some report no ill effects at all.

[fbirder]

No.

Some people say that they find that they are more susceptible to the effects of alcohol. I personally, do not.

[Coxeymcqueen]

In my experience yes. I find that hangovers are worse and that my symptoms start returning sooner if I’ve over-indulged. I’m actually considering giving up alcohol altogether because I just don’t like how it makes me feel these days.

One GP was convinced I was alcoholic because he hadn’t seen B12 deficiency in someone my age who wasn’t a vegan. His natural conclusion was that it must be due to alcoholism, which can be another cause. So that made for an interesting chat...

The important thing to remember is that PA/B12 deficiency has such a wide spectrum of symptoms and interactions. I know a couple of people at work who have b12 deficiency because their doctor spotted it in blood tests. They claim to be asymptomatic and actually find going for their jab a bit of a nuisance. As you read on here, other people may find they need to inject daily and PA is very debilitating for them.

My advice is to not worry too much and to find what works for you. Since my own diagnosis I’ve gone from 12 weekly injections to weekly, and that’s over a number of years. I know people get frustrated with their GPs but I like the fact that I can get B12 online and inject as I need to and manage my own condition.