B12 deficiency?

[KRTb12]

Hi, we’re in NZ where the acceptable serum b12 levels are 110-650. My 14 year old daughter has had levels of 89 at end of August, then weekly injections, was 680 early Oct then last week was 250. She’s on combined contraceptive pill to try and control probable endometriosis and is now suffering from anxiety and depression. Dr didn’t think she has a b12 deficiency? MMA test not common here and now she’s having weekly injections I’m not sure if the test will show accurate results.

Any advice? It seems little is really known about b12 deficiency in our part of the world.

[Fuzzy01]

I’d certainly agree with your last paragraph. Am also in NZ with a level of 98 five weeks ago. My GP couldn’t even explain the difference between B12 deficient and Pernicious Anaemia! I did have an MMA test though which also came back low.

Today’s text from the doctor (after 4 x weekly injections followed by a blood test one week later) said, “ As we have now replaced your B 12, suggest going to monthly injections.”

Someone on this site suggested keeping a diary of symptoms which I think is a good idea as it all begins to blur a bit. I look forward to reading any advice you get!

[KRTb12 in reply to Fuzzy01]

Thanks, yes it seems that weekly injections for 4 weeks is considered a high loading dose in NZ but I read posts on here about every other day. My daughter is now half way through her second lot of weekly injections x 4 so I’m. It sure if MMA results will show anything. Regardless, it seems we only have one type of b12 injection available in NZ and our acceptable range is way lower than other countries like Japan which considers anything under about 500 low. All a bit of a mystery tour with my daughters health!

[KRTb12 in reply to Fuzzy01]

Folate was 28, Ferratin 72. Not sure if this means she needs folic acid supplements. Says ok on blood results?

[Sleepybunny]

Hi,

Some useful links

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.

B12 Deficiency Info website

b12deficiency.info/

B12 Awareness (US website)

b12awareness.org/

Stichting B12 Tekort (Dutch website with English articles)

stichtingb12tekort.nl/weten...

B12 books I found useful

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

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

"Living with Pernicious Anaemia and Vitamin B12 Deficiency" by Martyn Hooper

Has several case studies.

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

Very comprehensive with lots of case studies.

B12 article from Mayo Clinic in US

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

Table 1 in above article is about frequent misconceptions about B12 deficiency.