Hello all,
I recently posted in the Thyroid forum about neurological symptoms and the probably related B12 defficiency. Just received my new blood tests, and though serum B12 is just 250, MMA (Metil Manoic Acid) is perfectly Ok. The GP says MMA is the only reliable measure to assess if someone suffers from B12 defficiency, in this context it doesnt matter what serum B12 shows. As My results came back ok, he says I don't need to supplement. What's your opinion on that matter?
Although you haven’t shown the units or range for your B12 result it seems more than likely this is in range. With B12, there’ll be a level which is right for your body and this isn’t necessarily high in the range. It’s not a case of the higher the better.
If MMA is ‘perfectly OK’ I’d be inclined to agree with your GP (unless you’re eating a vegan or maybe a vegetarian diet).
Do you feel you have symptoms of B12 deficiency (many of which will be similar to hypothyroid symptoms)?
Hello Jan.The range for b12 is (200-900). I'm at 250. I am experiencing a lot of neurological symptoms (tingling, numbness, myclones at night). I started levo 1 year ago due to Thyroid problems, and now TSH and T4 seem to be in range. TSH is 1,98 and T4 is 1,30. But they symptoms are still there.
Could these symptoms be explained by low B12 in spite of MMA being ok?
Brain Magnetic Resonance is also fine.
My B12 was 230 with that range & I could barely walk with terrible neurological symptoms. The PA Society says everybody should be over 500. So yes you are too low though technically in range! Lol. I dont agree with your GP. Some people do present with a normal MMA. That changes much further down the line. Have you tried high strength supplements? The advice to GPS is that anyone with neurological symptoms should be started on b12 injections whilst they investigate. This is to avoid damage. My GP wouldn't follow this either & insisted on referring me to a neurologist. I self injected till I saw him 6 months later. He agreed that b12 jabs are a good idea.
Thanks a Lot! I will supplement with 1000 mcg pills by myself till I see him again. Do pills have the same effect as shots? How much do you supplement?
If you can absorb the b12 normally then yes it will work well. In that case its usually due to diet. Eg being vegetarian or vegan or just not eating meat. If you have a diet with lots of b12 in it but have very low b12 levels then generally tablets do not work. Occasionally some people find very high strength sublingual tablets do work. If you can't absorb it then in that case you then need b12 injections.
No harm in trying b12 oral supplements. You mat absorb okay.
My husband s b12 was 186 pg/mL range 200-900
HD absorbed tablets anc if went up to 336 after 3 months
Was your folate ferritin and vitamin D tested,,? Many symptoms overlap.
Obviously something causing your symptons.
Good you managed to get a MMA blood test done . Not easy to get
Did you test homocysteine? As far as I remember, usually when low B12 is suspected one should test both MMA and homocysteine and normally if there is a deficiency either (but not necessarily both) will be elevated.
MMA Testing; B12 Side Effects
B12
B12 & MMA Test result
If you have normal active b12 but low blood serum b12............is that ok?
