This might help someone

I found some REALLY good information on low b12 on Amazon reviews on the book Could it be b12 The following review was helpful to me so I thought I should share.

The review written by a guy on Amazon. Long story short through extensive research reading online B12 forums I discovered some people become hypokalemic (low potassium) after supplementing with any form of B12 due to the B12 building DNA, building new cells (RBCs and other blood cells) These "new" cells will take up the Potassium and internalize it intracellularly (Potassium is mainly intracellular) and therefore your extracellular Potassium will diminish as a result.

So now after I take my morning B12 sublingual if I start to get heart palpitations, feel the jitters coming on, I drink a can of low sodium V8 juice which has 1100mg potassium and within an hour I'm calm, relaxed and back to just feeling good, and the BEST PART...I sleep so damn good now, like I did in my teens, I can multi-task like never before and I’m no longer planning 2 level cervical disc fusion surgery because my neck/back pain is almost completely gone.

[Foggyme Administrator]

25092. Please note - hypokalemia (low potassium) occurs at the commencement of treatment with B12 injections - but only in the presence of macrocytosis (where the blood cells are larger and rounder than normal). The red cell repair process utilises extra potassium but once the abnormal cells are repaired, the requirement for additional potassium stops.

Really pleased the V8 works for you 25092 but these drinks could be problematic for some people - especially if drunk in large quantities. Pleased to see that you’ve opted for the low sodium variety.

All - V8 drinks can be problematic for some due to high salt, potassium, and sugar content. The drinks also contain additives which are listed under the heading 'natural flavourings' - there is no requirement to list the additives on the can so those with allergies or sensitivities may want to investigate further, or avoid. It’s also worth noting that there are different varieties of V8 - each having different quantities of sodium, potassium, sugar etc.

Those with certain health conditions would be best avoiding these drinks (i.e. conditions affecting the heart, kidneys - diabetes, hypertension, GERD, etc).

There's lots on the internet about the benefits or potential problems with V8 drinks for some people, especially those with underlying health conditions. So, research first, drink second, use in moderation.

Strange old world when we have to approach even a can of juice with some measure of suspicion!

[Hidden in reply to Foggyme]

Thanks Foggyme, happy you let me know, "The red cell repair process utilises extra potassium but once the abnormal cells are repaired, the requirement for additional potassium stops." That's good news. I didn't know I had to approach a can of juice with some measure of suspicion as you stated.

I'm new here and was diagnosed with PA a couple months ago. So I'm still learning. When I saw that review from Amazon and it helped me, I wanted to quickly share in hopes of helping someone else. It's just with PA it's so much contradicting information out there. How do I know? Usually about my health I could go to my doctor and ask but she is clueless about b12 and PA. So I apologize for posting that and will just read and listen in hope to become more awake about PA. Thanks again. Best

[Foggyme Administrator in reply to Hidden]

Good grief 25092, please, no need to apologise for posting and it may well help some people - it’s just always good to be aware that not all things suit all people (for a whole host of reasons).

The makers of these things often push them like crazy and also over-hype what they call 'health benefits'. As an interesting point, so called 'energy' drinks often contain quite high doses of vitamin B6 and I don’t know if you recall, sometime ago there were news reports of people suffering neurological symptoms due to high consumption of those types of drinks (excessive amounts of B6 can be neuro-toxic, hence the neurological symptoms). So, just goes to show, a certain amount of healthy caution (suspicion 🙂) is usually advisable. Also worth noting that vitamins, minerals and herbal remedies are not always innocuous either - over supplementation, contraindications with underlying medical conditions and other medications are things to watch out for).

And you’re dead right - PA (and the B12 deficiency it causes) can be really complex - and many GP's are not well informed about either. So, lots to learn, especially when first diagnosed, but thankfully lots of people here to share with and learn from.

Please don’t ever be put off posting - sharing is what this forum is about. And ask as many questions as you like - there's always help available here. So, keep posting, keep sharing and keep asking.

Take care and keep well.

P.s. We're all learning, all the time - I love it when one of our lovely members posts something new or something I know nothing about 🙂.

[Hidden in reply to Foggyme]

Thank you Foggyme 😊

[Heloise in reply to Hidden]

I always enjoy hearing anecdotal evidence. Someone will add precautions if necessary. Of course, we should all do our own investigation since chemical reactions are so unique for each individual. The fact that you are trying to find your own answers is impressive. As you said, "doctors are clueless" about nutrition and a huge problem may be a deficiency WE may have. Functional doctors often look for those, however. Don't be discouraged about posting as Foggyme explained it well. We understand that no one is giving medical advice. Keep inquiring.

[Hidden in reply to Heloise]

Thank you so much Heloise. Take care. Best😊