Just wondering what your thoughts are on a B12 level of 341. This was my husband's result, and GP says absolutely normal, no need to supplement with B12. But this contradicts what we've read online about being deficient with anything less than 550.
Same old story here, as I have the same problem with GP's and their 'normal ranges' with my own thyroid issues. Interestingly enough my B12 was very close to my husbands result, mine was 343 so my first thought was maybe it was dietary related. But then, I think we do eat a balanced diet, I've recently started eating red meat again, before that I was still eating chicken and fish. Husband has always eaten red meat, plenty of veg etc.
Interested in your thoughts/opinions.
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Chasing-rainbows
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I think the issue is whether or not he has the symptoms of B12 deficiency rather than the serum B12 level.
I had over 40 symptoms typical of B12 deficiency with most of my B12 result between 300 - 500 ng/L, well within normal range. I did have one below range result.
UK guidelines indicate that patients with the symptoms of b12 deficiency should be treated even if serum (total) B12 results are within normal range.
See symptoms lists below.
Symptoms of B12 Deficiency (folate deficiency also mentioned)
This is where there is plenty of B12 in the blood but it's not getting to where it's needed in the cells so the person develops symptoms of deficiency.
MMA, Homocysteine and Active B12 (holotranscobalamin) are tests that can be helpful in diagnosing functional b12 deficiency.
Here's some more links and info about B12 deficiency that you and your husband may find interesting. I suggest you take at a week or so to sift through the links below as there's a lot of info.
Some links may have details that could be upsetting.
Link about "What to do next" if B12 deficiency suspected or recently diagnosed.
Any chance of internal parasites eg fish tapeworm?
Have you lived or stayed in an area where internal parasites are common?
One clue that internal parasites might be an issue is an increase in eosinophils, a type of white blood cell. Eosinophil result can be found with results for Full Blood Count (FBC).
Referrals
If you have neuro symptoms, have you been referred to
1) a neurologist?
2) a haematologist?
If gut symptoms present, have you been referred to
3) a gastro enterologist ?
Link below outlines when UK patients with B12 deficiency should be referred to a haematologist and gastro enterologist...
If GP won't refer to a haematologist, you could ask them to write to a local haematologist for advice on how to treat you.
Be warned that there is ignorance about B12 deficiency and PA among some haematologists, neurologists and other specialists so no guarantee that a referral will lead to better treatment.
Symptoms Diary
You may find it helpful to keep a daily symptoms diary which tracks changes in symptoms over time and if and when any treatment is received.
BNF link below outlines two recommended patterns of treatment for B12 deficiency in UK
Each CCG (Clinical Commissioning Board/Health Board/NHS hospital trust in UK is likely to have its own local guidelines on treatment/diagnosis of B12 deficiency.
Might be worth tracking down the local guidelines for your area of UK and comparing the info in them with BNF, BSH and NICE CKS links in this reply.
To find local guidelines for your area of UK ...
1) search forum posts using terms "local guidelines"
2) search internet using "name of CCG/Health Board B12 deficiency guidelines"
3) submit a FOI (Freedom of Information) request to CCG/Health board asking for access to or a copy of local B12 deficiency guidelines.
I hope you are not in the UK area discussed in blog post below which has a poor reputation on this forum for how B12 deficiency is managed.
If you click on "project documents" then on "consultation comments and responses" it gives a good insight into current issues around diagnosis and treatment (over 40 pages).
Links to forum threads where I left detailed replies with lots of B12 deficiency info eg more on causes and symptoms, more UK B12 documents, B12 books, B12 websites and B12 articles and a few hints on dealing with unhelpful GPs.
Some links may have details that could be upsetting.
Great thanks, we will look through these links and take it from there. It threw us a bit as underneath the result it says B12 deficiency unlikely, seek further advice if suggestive features present eg neuropathy... so we didn't want to be missing something.
The result looks good to me, but as always, 'treat the patient, not the numbers'. If there are symptoms, treat the symptoms.
With a reference range of 180-900, then a result of 'mid 300s' is good. [The distribution is skewed.] So, at a guess, the majority of folks will be around the mid 300s.
From my research anything under 500 is deficient, also you never mentioned if you or husband supplemented? As others have said symptoms are just as important as levels, personally seeing what daily injections, going organic, diary and gluten free and taking various supplements have done to my health I would recommend everyone look after their own health. After my experience would not trust a doctor is they told me water is wet.
My husband has just started supplementing now since getting his blood results so he's interested to see whether he notices any changes/improvements.
I bought the B12 better you spray, but have had to stop for now as I'm going to get some more bloods done privately and need to stop for two weeks beforehand.
I had significant neurological symptoms of PA when my blood level was 502. Three weeks later, I couldn't walk without a walker and my blood level was 286. Fortunately, the hospital tested for IFAB, which was quite high. So, I was finally diagnosed! I think, for many folks, symptoms are more important than blood levels.
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