Nof able to absorb every brand of B12, specially generic brand

[Bunbun123]

I’m wondering if there is anyone here that has had the following experience. I was diagnosed with PA 1 1/2 ago and had such severe neurological symptoms that I almost became bed ridden. I started with 2x injections daily of cyanocobalamin and improved tremendously. I was almost back to my normal self 9 months later. Well, I decided to change B12 brands to save some money , still cyanocobalamin but a generic brand from a reputable pharmacy. It was the worst decision. I took it for only 3 weeks and ALL my symptoms came back!!! Basically, it was like not having B12 for 3 whole weeks, my body did not absorb the generic brand. I’s been 8 months and I’m still recovering( from that and the COVID vaccine, but that is another post). Now I only take the brand that has worked Somerset Therapeutics and i’m very reticent about trying any other brand of B12. Has anyone had this happen to them? Thank you for responding.

[Nackapan]

I take generic Hydroxocobalamin .4 brands are fine.

One I had a strange reaction to twice . So avoid it.

It turned out to be a different additive.

I'm sorry this happened .

I think unusual or a dodgy batch??

[Bunbun123 in reply to Nackapan]

Yes, my pharmacist said that most likely is the additives that are different and my body reacted to it. Ok, glad to know that it has happened before. Yes, I’m not buying it anymore. Thank you for replying.

[Foggyme Administrator]

Bunnun123. It's highly unlikely that your body would suddenly fail to absorb vitamin B12 from your injections.

A more plausible explanation for your issue is that incorrect storage somewhere along the supply chain may have caused the B12 to degrade - and thus it’s efficacy is effected. In other words, your body is absorbing the B12 but it’s not working because the B12 content has actually degraded.

Cyanocobalamin should be stored between 15-25°C and protected from light. If it’s not stored correctly the B12 degrades and it’s efficacy cannot be maintained or guaranteed.

I buy B12 from reputable and accredited online pharmacy suppliers in German and have never had this problem with the several different brands I have used.

[Bunbun123 in reply to Foggyme]

Thank you for replying! That is another hypothesis. I’m in America, I got it from a very reputable pharmacy, not online. But yes, it could have degraded although the date was still good. I’m not going to risk it again.

But It also happened with another brand I ordered online, but I caught the signs in only 3 days and stopped it immediately. I think at this point the other explanation might be the more plausible. My body might have a reaction to the additives in different B12. Again thank you for replying!

[Foggyme Administrator in reply to Bunbun123]

Yes agreed - symptoms could be a reaction to additives rather than a failure to absorb vitamin B12.

Good luck.

[ForViolet]

Thank you for this. Helpful. I used methylcobalamin from a compounding pharmacy. It didn't seem to work for me. I thought it was the form since I've used the cyano B12 for years. Now, from your report I'm thinking it could have been storage problem, or a problem with additives per foggy.

Good info to be aware of.

[Bunbun123 in reply to ForViolet]

Glad it was helpful! We live in our little bubble and it’s so good to hear other people’s experiences and realize we are not alone