Can I get an accurate b12 level

[Mag999]

Does active b12 measure accurately once you have been self injecting? My gp has offered more blood tests but can’t seem to get that ordinary serum b12 will be super high. Is it still worth measuring ? Can I buy any extra tests that will be useful ? Continuing symptoms so still looking for co morbidities have started getting swollen joints so now they are thinking RA could that just be nutrient deficiency? I have global low levels which I supplement all the time but is there any way to check if I’m actually using the vitamins and minerals? Lots of questions still! Just very disheartening 2 years on and still no better.

[Heididog20]

Hi Mag999,Do not test blood levels for b12 whhile supplementing. Need to be 4 months without supplements before retesting . Refer too book, Could it be b12. By sally Palochuk. Her videos are on utube. Worth watching, thebn get book. Highly recommended. Easily reading.

[FlipperTD]

Scientist, not medic.

Active, or total B12? Well, neither will be of much help. Save your time and your money. They'll both be raised because that's what supplementing does. Are you supplementing orally, or by injection?

Go by your symptoms. If you start out with a macrocytic anaemia and that resolves on supplementing, then that shows the supplements are working.

Some symptoms take much longer to resolve, but it's a marathon, not a sprint. Stick with it!

If your GP thinks it could be RA, there are tests they can do, but I'd leave the B12 alone for now.

Good luck.