Hello , I finally have had the GP test after the low active B12 test at 62 from medichecks.
It says B12 - 381 range 120-625
Folate 11.8
Ferritin 93 range 11-307
So I’m thinking my symptoms are menopausal now rather than B12 but what do you think about these results please ?
It is really difficult to interpret serum B12 from a single test. If you have an absorption problem you will be looking for levels that are falling significant >20% over time.This is because people maintain serum B12 levels at the point that is right for them using stores in the liver but if you have an absorption problem this mechanism doesn't work and levels start to fall. The exact level varies considerably from person to person so although your result is well into the normal range that doesn't mean that it is the right result for you - though being well into the range does make it unlikely so would be a good idea to look at other options, such as menopause.
They look good to me. Strange the active b12 low in range though as that's what you can use?
Did they also test vitamin D ?
Beware of putting symptoms down to the menopause
I did that.
Go by your symptoms.
Now at least you have baseline as gsmbit62 says we all function at different levels so on another test in the future it will show if levels are declining.
Hopefully other tests will be done too depending on your symptoms
T C
Hi,
If you think your symptoms are related to menopause, perhaps GP can order some hormone tests.
On one of your other threads I think I mentioned that UK guidelines suggest treating patients who have the symptoms of B12 deficiency even if serum B12 results are within normal range.
B12 - 381 range 120-625
Do you know the units for the above test...was it ng/L?
I had severe B12 deficiency symptoms with most B12 results between 300 - 500 ng/L
Do your symptoms match those of B12 deficiency?
Symptoms of B12 Deficiency
pernicious-anaemia-society....
pernicious-anaemia-society....
b12deficiency.info/signs-an...
b12d.org/admin/healthcheck/...
cks.nice.org.uk/topics/anae...
Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy (damage to peripheral nerves)
nhs.uk/conditions/periphera...
Peripheral neuropathy can be associated with B12 deficiency and sometimes with folate deficiency.
Neurological Consequences of B12 Deficiency
PAS news item
pernicious-anaemia-society....
PAS article about SACD, sub acute combined degeneration of the spinal cord
pernicious-anaemia-society....
Blog post from Martyn Hooper's blog, mentions SACD
martynhooper.com/2010/09/21...
B12 deficiency and mental health symptoms
b12deficiency.info/mental-h...
stichtingb12tekort.nl/engli...
I could not get treatment for my typical B12 deficiency symptoms due to most results being within normal range and I got to the point of dementia type symptoms and spinal symptoms.
If you feel that your symptoms fit B12 deficiency, try to get GP to exclude other possible conditions that could cause similar symptoms.
There may be useful info in my replies on your previous thread.
I thought they looked ok too . Vit D was tested before and good at 110 .
Menopausal symptoms aren’t accurate on blood tests but I’m sure it’s hormones a lot . I don’t have cows milk due to intolerance so I’m diary free but eat meat though so could that cause dietary deficiency do you think ?
Hi , yes ng/L . Yes I remember you saying that but my doc won’t do anymore tests and even if I paid for the private MMA one they probably wouldn’t treat me with injections.
Symptoms are mouth ulcers from time to time but I also get those when my thyroid is out . I get tinnitus but also hypo and meno symptom . Exhausted etc also hormonal . I don’t feel that I have definitely got those B12 deficiency symptoms but some do sound like it . I really am not sure what to think .
Do you have any other symptoms in or around your mouth?
Glossitis (sore, inflamed tongue ) is a typical symptom of B12 deficiency ( and folate deficiency).
Link to thread where signs of B12 deficiency in the mouth are discussed
healthunlocked.com/pasoc/po...
Sometimes but not always sore tongue . It comes and goes .
If the sore tongue is intermittent then I suggest you take a photo when that symptoms shows.
Does your GP know you get a sore tongue?
Do you have what look like bite marks around edge of tongue?
Splits in tongue?
Pale yellow tongue?
Swollen/enlarged tongue?
Sore spots at corner of mouth?
See link to thread about mouth symptoms in my other reply for more info.
I used to get pins and needles in my tongue and teeth...
Some people report a burning sensation in their tongue.
Link to a thread where a tongue picture was posted
healthunlocked.com/pasoc/po...
Yes good idea. No the doctor doesn’t know it’s never seems that bad enough to tell them . No split marks but pale colour and bite marks. Again this can be menopausal or hypothyroidism. No swelling or sore corners of mouth .
Argh puns and needles in teeth and tongue that sounds horrible!
I don’t really have those neurological symptoms apart from blurred vision a bit but again that can be menopausal
Im getting eyes tested next week anyway .
Neuro symptoms can include...
tingling
numbness
pins and needles
electric shock sensations
burning sensations
insect crawling sensation (formication)
I used to get the sensation of water trickling down my spine.
tinnitus
muscle twitches,
muscle fasciculations (looks like muscles are rippling under the skin)
flickering eyelids
restless legs syndrome RLS
periodic limb movements (jerks that often affect legs/arms,can affect fingers, toes, head)
vertigo
migraine
clumsiness
dropping things
bumping into things
strange gait (unusual way of walking)
foot drop
word finding problems, (nominal aphasia)
balance issues
brainfog
confusion
proprioception problems (problems with awareness of body in space)
memory problems
lost of ability to do mental arithmetic
strange behaviour eg putting car keys in the fridge, boiling the kettle without any water in it
There are many other possible neuro symptoms that can be associated with B12 deficiency.
See links to symptoms lists in other reply.
With a low active B12 I would suggest a trial if B12 injections. My serum B12 was greater than 2000. (I was taking sub lingual B12) and was exhausted with tingling in toes and fingers. My MCV was 102. My doctor didn’t have an explanation. My friend suggested that I try one of her injections and noted that it takes her about four days to feel improvement. Well, in four days I was remarkably better, but it only lasted for about three days. Currently I take an injection every three or four days. I am a new person.
Thankyou . I only get tinnitus brain fog memory problems forgetfulness but also those are meno symptoms. I don’t have any of the other symptoms.
High serum B12 reading
B12 serum level of 52
Cigarettes and serum b12
Serum B12 levels compared to active B12 levels 
