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Can sublinguals help to supplement b12 between injections?

HopetoB12better profile image
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I am on injections - have had 7 in a a row and the 8th a week later, and scheduled for once a week for a month then once a month for a year). I do feel an”lag” in my symptom progress between the weekly shots. I know I can’t absorb regular b12 supplements, but my pharmacist says that the sublinguals go directly to the bloodstream and I should absorb at least some of the dose. What have others found? Thank you.

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HopetoB12better
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11 Replies
fbirder profile image
fbirder

The pharmacist is wrong. The B12 molecule is too big and too hydrophilic to cross biological membranes. There is also a protein in saliva (haptocorrin) that binds to the B12 molecule which will totally prevent absorption.

Studies have shown that the B12 in a sublingual lozenge or spray will get into the bloodstream. Of a 1000 mcg dose about 10 mcg will be absorbed. But that doesn't mean it gets absorbed across the membranes of the mouth. Because about 10 mcg is absorbed from a 1000 mcg oral dose.

When you take a sublingual dose none is absorbed in the mouth. It is all swallowed and becomes an oral dose. If you can absorb oral B12 then about 10 mcg of it will get into your blood. If you cannot, then it will not.

Seth12345 profile image
Seth12345 in reply tofbirder

Hi fbirder . I have a question that maybe you can answer. Many months ago I used a 3000mcg liquid dose under my tongue. The following day my B12 blood test completed and my level was at 1100. It increased at least 300+ points . This was BEFORE I was injecting. Would this indicate that I might be able to absorb B12 normally?

I was never diagnosed with PA and believe my deficiency was due to diet, but I'm not 100 certain yet..

fbirder profile image
fbirder in reply toSeth12345

It's certainly possible.

WiscGuy profile image
WiscGuy in reply toSeth12345

If you want a complete and accurate answer to your question, I suggest you read the treatment section of this article:

reader.elsevier.com/reader/...

Nackapan profile image
Nackapan

I've tried from 3x 50mcg the Gp prescribed. 500mcg 100mcg throughout the day.

Oral sprays

1000mcg 1 or 2 a day.

I dont think Ive benefitted at all.

I long for it to do something as I feel it may help some of the ups and downs of levels b12 from injections in my bloodstream. However

I'm now injecting 5-7 days instead.

Hoping that I'm in another worse before better situation. 🤞

No harm in trying though

wedgewood profile image
wedgewood

I’m afraid that sub-linguals did absolutely nothing for me . I took 10 times the suggested dose, and at the same time plastered myself with b12 patches , to zero effect. I persevered for weeks , as it was before I knew about our marvellous P.A.S. I was totally desperate, and was prepared to try anything. Now , I read on here that some people found them helpful, as well as the nose spray .

It’s much cheaper to inject ,and one knows that it will work . I cannot imagine why they seem to work for some people .

fbirder profile image
fbirder in reply towedgewood

I suspect that sublinguals work for some people for one of two reasons - that they can absorb oral B12 or for the same reason that some people say they feel better with skin patches, special molasses or purple crystals.

wedgewood profile image
wedgewood in reply tofbirder

My thoughts too, but I dare not air them ! ( but I just have !) Might get some fall-out . .........

Bonjourtristesse profile image
Bonjourtristesse

I think I can absorb some of the oral b12. I obviously haven’t been diagnosed with PA. I get some nerve tingling from tablets so I think it does something. I’m experimenting with taking Tablets between injections. I have been taking 2x5000mg a day. I didn’t notice anything with the lower dose ones. I was vegetarian for many years and for some time are a lot of sugar so I wonder if my low b12 is down to sibo rather than PA.

akanari profile image
akanari

I have had the IF test and been diagnosed with PA . I take 1000mcg sublingual tablets with 400 mcg folate each day and I have no PA symptoms. I started taking these because I developed symptoms between injections as the injections were reduced to monthly. My symptoms disappeared and I ended up cancelling the injections as I feel fine and my blood B12 levels are normal. It is possible that sublinguals do not work for everyone. I also tried a brand that had no effect whatsoever before I tried the brand I now use (Jarrow) It is worth trying them however because it is much easier to control and less invasive than an injection

Nackapan profile image
Nackapan in reply toakanari

So you take 1000mcg Jarrow b12 sublinguals ? Are theses cynocobalamin? I'm amazed and very pleased for you.

How often did you inject before this regime worked for you? And after his long?

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