B12 query

[Red1973]

Thanks to all who posted to my recent comment about deficiency.

Probably going to get B12 active blood test via home kit

Have had couple of feroglobin tablets earlier this week ( new pack - thought they were B9 iron tablets - only then realised they were B12 with iron ( B12 ug 10 per tablet on breakdown on packet.) How long are they likely to stay in system so they won’t affect blood test.

Thanks

[fbirder]

That depends.

If you have PA then you will not have absorbed any of them and they will have no effect.

If you do not have PA then the B12 will hang around for months. However, 20 mcg of B12 is a pretty small amount that will have almost no effect on a blood test.

[Sleepybunny]

Hi,

PA can run in families and you mentioned a relative with PA on another thread.

Have you considered joining PAS (Pernicious Anaemia Society) who can offer support and info?

PAS (Pernicious Anaemia Society)

Based in Wales, UK. Has members in other countries.

pernicious-anaemia-society....

There is a helpline number that PAS members can ring.

Overseas members can use the online contact form.

PAS support groups in UK

pernicious-anaemia-society....

No meetings during pandemic.

Blog post about how PAS can support PAS members seeking PA diagnosis

martynhooper.com/2017/06/24...

PA tests

Intrinsic Factor Antibody (IFA) test

labtestsonline.org/tests/in...

Parietal Cell Antibody (PCA) test

labtestsonline.org/tests/pa...

PCA is not recommended as a diagnostic test for PA in UK.

It is still possible to have PA with a negative result in IFA or PCA test.

About 50% of people with PA test negative on IFA test.

About 10% of people with PA test negative on PCA test.

Link about "What to do next" if B12 deficiency suspected or newly diagnosed.

b12deficiency.info/what-to-...

Useful B12 books

"What You Need to Know About Pernicious Anaemia and B12 Deficiency" by Martyn Hooper

Martyn Hooper is the chair of PAS (Pernicious Anaemia Society).

BNF treatment info in book is out of date. See BNF link below if in UK.

"Could it Be B12?: An Epidemic of Misdiagnoses" by Sally Pacholok and JJ. Stuart (USA authors)

Very comprehensive with lots of case studies.

In UK guidelines, patients who are symptomatic for B12 deficiency, with other causes of symptoms excluded, are supposed to be treated even if serum B12 is within range.

UK B12 documents

BSH Cobalamin and Folate Guidelines

b-s-h.org.uk/guidelines/gui...

BNF

bnf.nice.org.uk/drug/hydrox...

Do you mind me asking which country you are in?

I'm asking because treatment for B12 deficiency and even the type of B12 used in treatment can vary between countries.

In some countries, the term Pernicious Anaemia ( Anemia in US) is used as a general term for B12 deficiency.

There are many potential causes of B12 deficiency including PA, Coeliac (Celiac in US) disease, diet, Crohn's disease, some drugs and medicines eg metformin a diabetes drug, damage to terminal ileum (part of gut where B12 is absorbed), internal parasite infection such as fish tapeworm, H pylori infection, exposure to nitrous oxide plus others.

I wrote very detailed replies on another forum thread with lots more info eg symptoms lists, causes of B12 deficiency, tests for PA, list of B12 books, list of B12 websites, more UK B12 documents, letters to GP about B12 deficiency and other B12 info including hints on dealing with unhelpful GPs, which you might find helpful.

healthunlocked.com/pasoc/po...

If you're in UK, be aware that the pandemic is impacting UK patients' B12 treatment.

I left a detailed reply about impact of pandemic on B12 treatment in UK in next link.

healthunlocked.com/pasoc/po.....

I am not medically trained.

More B12 info in pinned posts on this forum.