What would cause serum B12 levels to rise without supplementation?

[Hedgeree]

Hi Everyone,

Hope someone can offer some insight?

I'm wondering what could cause B12 blood levels to rise if a person isn't supplementing?

I follow a vegan diet and have actively avoided fortified foods for six months in order to find out my baseline B12 levels but my serum B12 levels have risen.

Not sure why this is happening?

Thanks for any replies.

[Gambit62 Administrator]

if the rise is within 20% then it isn't significant as that is how much variation you would get testing the same sample several times (ie the test is only accurate to 20%).

Significant rises might be seen in instances of kidney disorders or liver disease

[Hedgeree in reply to Gambit62]

Thanks for your reply Gambit62,

Over five months without supplementation my levels have increased by 30%. (I've actually managed to work it out myself even though I'm not a natural mathematician!)

I was a little worried as I'm having continuous discomfort in my left side/back.

I'm concerned that I may have a functional deficiency as my serum levels are 'in range' but low and I had been having pins and needles prior to me pausing taking vitB12 spray and fortified foods.

I'll mention it to my gp next time I have a consultation but don't think she will offer any advice as my levels are 'in range.'

Thanks again.

[Gambit62 Administrator in reply to Hedgeree]

functional deficiency is more about high B12 levels with symptoms of b12 deficiency so doesn't sound like what you are talking about.An individual can be B12 deficient well into the normal range so it could be that if you are low in the range - or the pins and needles could be something else entirely - symptoms of B12 deficiency are usually symmetric (because it is working at the cellular level) so it sounds like the pain in the left side/back are probably something else.

[Hedgeree in reply to Gambit62]

Thanks for your explanation that's really helpful; the pins and needles are symmetrical as it's in both my feet and hands but the discomfort in my side is just in the one place.

Thanks again.

[HealingRose]

B2 deficiency or trouble with activating riboflavin into FMN and FAD can cause functional B12 deficiency. High serum B12 without supplementation is often indicative of a functional B12 deficiency where it's not being properly used. Hypothyroidism or adrenal issues can cause problems with the activation of B2 into FMN and FAD. lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/vit...

[Hedgeree in reply to HealingRose]

Thanks for your response HealingRose.

Yes my blood tests do indicate possible hypothyroidism and also adrenal issues.

I'll have a look at the link thank you.