H Pylori and B12 deficiency

[Edso57]

I am aware that untreated H Pylori can cause a vitamin B12 deficiency, but was wondering by how much? (I.e. could this be the *sole* cause of my B12 deficiency?) Maybe difficult to quantify I know, but was thinking whether I might in the future (after eliminating my recently diagnosed H Pylori) be able to reduce the amount of B12 I currently supplement via methylcobalamin tablets ….

[Gambit62 Administrator]

h pylori infection is a treatable cause of B12 deficiency.However, there is also some evidence that h pylori infection might be a factor that may trigger PA. That doesn't mean that everyone who has h pylori will go on to develop PA just that more do than would be expected if there weren't any other factors.

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/a...

[Edso57 in reply to Gambit62]

Thank you

[Gen89]

Hi just wondered how your Hpylori infection was diagnosed? My GP hasn’t suggested that I have this done.

[mickeymouse42 in reply to Gen89]

H Pylori can be detected either via a stool antigen test or a urea breath test you can get from a chemist via a prescription from your GP.

[Gen89 in reply to mickeymouse42]

Thanks

[Edso57 in reply to Gen89]

Stool sample after symptoms of heartburn and reflux

[ForViolet in reply to Gen89]

I'm in the US and I was tested via blood labs.

[Gen89 in reply to ForViolet]

Thanks

[Gen89]

Thanks

[Sleepybunny]

Hi,

Link about H Pylori. Some info may be specific to UK.

It's helpful to know which country you are in as patterns of treatment for B12 deficiency vary between countries. Type of B12 used in treatment can vary as well.

H Pylori infection

patient.info/digestive-heal...

Link about "What to do next" if B12 deficiency suspected or recently diagnosed.

b12deficiency.info/what-to-...

PAS (Pernicious Anaemia Society)

Based in Wales, UK. Has members in other countries.

pernicious-anaemia-society....

There is a helpline number that PAS members can ring.

Testing for PA

pernicious-anaemia-society....

Do any of the risk factors below seem likely?

Risk Factors for PA and B12 Deficiency

pernicious-anaemia-society....

b12deficiency.info/what-are...

b12deficiency.info/who-is-a...

If B12 deficiency is not due to diet then I would expect a doctor to test at least for PA and Coeliac disease.

B12 Awareness (US website)

b12awareness.org/

Stichting B12 Tekort (Dutch website with English articles)

stichtingb12tekort.nl/weten...

Two useful b12 books

"What You Need to Know About Pernicious Anaemia and B12 Deficiency" by Martyn Hooper

Martyn Hooper is the chair of PAS (Pernicious Anaemia Society). Book does not show updated BNF info.

"Could it Be B12?: An Epidemic of Misdiagnoses" by Sally Pacholok and JJ. Stuart (USA authors)

Very comprehensive with lots of case studies.

Films and videos about PA and B12 deficiency

PAS conferences

pernicious-anaemia-society....

Films about b12 deficiency

b12deficiency.info/films/

I'm not medically trained.

If you're in UK, there's a lot more info I can post that may be helpful.

[Edso57 in reply to Sleepybunny]

Thanks, that’s all very helpful and plenty to read up on 😀👍 (I’m in the UK btw)

[Sleepybunny]

Hi again,

Links to forum threads where I left detailed replies with lots of B12 deficiency info eg causes and symptoms, 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.

Some of the info will be specific to UK.

healthunlocked.com/pasoc/po...

healthunlocked.com/pasoc/po...

healthunlocked.com/pasoc/po...

[Hamayeshguy]

But don't take risk of B12 deficiency neurological symptoms and inject B12 on and off. If you take B12 pills try high dose slow release to take it in passive way. But before and after of taking B12 you can test MMA and homocysteine to find efficiency of pills. Or you can buy liquid b12 and drink it with water whole day to work like slow release. If you buy it from china can be more cost effective. You can buy methylcobalamine from Singapore

[Edso57 in reply to Hamayeshguy]

It’s a dilemma I know because I can’t get blood tested for B12 levels unless I’ve stopped supplementing for a few months and as you say that strategy comes with a risk. Didn’t know that MMA and homocysteine could be checked whilst supplementing though. I get my methylcobalamin from UK (sub lingual 2500 mcg daily from a well known manufacturer)