Base line labs for B12 Deficiency.

[Natural1970]

I have been getting B12 injections every 3 months. With that I have recently being taking B12 supplement tablets 1000ug daily. (Helps me get through the 12 week wait). So... Now I have asked for a blood test to get up to date lab readings. My next injection is in August. Should I stop the daily supplement b12 tablet so to give a true base reading on my blood test in 4 days time? I'm worried that my GP might stop the injections. I don't really feel that I am benefitting from them. Just curious if the results are still high. I have CKD too

I have been on B12 injections since October 2020. Also daily folate tablets.

***Update. I did have the lab tests done and the GP has given me a face to face appointment, this Friday 30th July. I have now started taking 2000 mcg and walking without too much fatigue has it seems started to happen. So I hope I can persuade the GP for more regular injections than every 3 months. I will let you know after Friday.. Thank you too all who replied to the original post.

[Nackapan]

Usually baseline b12 is obtained when well and not on supplements .Thats my understanding.

Once on injections the reafi gs will be high as shoukd be .

It's not recommended testing is done.

It should go on Symptoms.

If you csn absorb oral supplements often injections are not needed.

My friend got ill. Had loading doses.

Then was okay om tablets to top up ger diet.

Others like me tablets do not do a thing.

Ove so many different sorts and trued different doses

When yiu say you do not feel you are benefiting from them why would you then need a supplement to get / reach 12 weeks?

A blood test would be a true reading on whars in your bloodcst any given time.

Useful if trying oral b12 for the first time.

Of you concerned about them being stopped. I wouldnt do it.

[Natural1970 in reply to Nackapan]

I don't feel that anything oral or injections are working. I still feel tired and my balance is not good. It's been 9 months. I have read it can take a while too correct. Just worried about a false reading. I think I will not have the blood test on Thursday. Give my injections more time. I fell over in the shop last week but couldn't get back up without help. I am only 51. Starting to worry now.

[Nackapan in reply to Natural1970]

Why don't you ask fir 2 monthly b12 injections. If you are falling over ,neurological problems yiu mat need more?

I felt over alot resulting g in a dramatic collapse before low b12 was found.

[Gambit62 Administrator]

as Nackapan says there isn't really any point in retesting once you are on injections.The recommendation if someone wants a base-line is stop for at least 3-6 months. As some people can retain the B12 from an injection for over a year - according to the early studies - even that may not be long enough. If you have CKD then there is even less point in retesting serum B12 as it will slow down the rat at which the B12 is removed from your system by your kidneys.

[Natural1970 in reply to Gambit62]

Thanks. Good advice. I will not test for bloods. I really didn't think it took so long. 3-6 month.