LOW B12 is not always PA

[Vitali-ep]

Afternoon all, rarely post but thought this might help someone in same situation.

Low B12 has many causes, in my case PA was suspected but never confirmed, instead of ever finding root cause injections were given and a "goodbye" after.

I have since found out via own experimentation that:

Antibiotics kills stomach bacteria - I have had many courses in recent years for different things.

Not stomach bacteria = no absorption of key vitamins etc leading to low B12 and other things.

After flooding gut with probiotic drinks and tablets it can be turned around in a month.

If taking any antibiotics also take probiotics - shame doctors never told me this, years wasted.

[Paula1710]

That happened to me in 2016.2 lots of antibiotics i was floored.B12 deficiency soon after diagnosed.Which probiotic and tablets did you use?

[Vitali-ep in reply to Paula1710]

Gave this info on your post earlier today

its called Urban Fuel and contains Lactobacillus Acidophilus Live Cultures for Digestion

[Nackapan]

Glad that worked for you.

Very true antibiotics kill good ad well as bad.

I became b12 deficient at a time I hadn't needed antibiotics for years.

Big hormonal changes though. That wax my trigger

Have since needed antibiotics for dental work.

Live yoghurt and prebiotic a very good idea .

Also helps prevent thrush as antibiotics strip your system.

Made no difference to me for my need for b12

[Vitali-ep in reply to Nackapan]

yeah not saying it will solve B12 for everybody but it is interesting point considering doctors do not even tell patients that antibiotics do this or to take probiotics while using them

[wedgewood in reply to Vitali-ep]

Stomach acid also plays a huge part in the breakdown of food to enable nutrients , i.e. vitamins ,minerals and trace elements be absorbed . Think of the damage that PPIs do ( Proton Pump Inhibitors ). P.P.Is are so widely prescribed. A drug that makes huge profits for Pharmaceutical companies . I hear of patients taking them for many years , and then end up with b12 deficiency , and the horrible symptoms, sometimes irreversible. Stomach acid also helps to keep bad stomach bacteria in check l without it , the “bad boys” can take over , upsetting the stomach flora .

[Vitali-ep]

Yep totally I have been on PPI for many years, and suffered with this also.I try to eat acidic fruit in the evening after meals to help

[teasieangus]

doctor said my mother, uncle, had pernicious anemia and my cell s were changing, i have been getting b12 injections for 18 years

[Mashie44 in reply to teasieangus]

After I was diagnosed with B12D I learned that my great grandfather died of PA. I suspect my dad and my aunt had it witout diagnosis. I've tried to persuade my siblings to watch out for symptoms.

[Gambit62 Administrator]

Please note that there is a high incidence of people experiencing problems with B12 absorption due to problems with the gut biome going on to develop PA./AMAGCausal mechanisms are not clear as far as I am aware.

There is also an increased risk of problems such as SIBO where stomach acidity is low, as will tend to be the case in patients with PA

[Hidden]

In France they automatically issue probiotics when antibiotics are used.

[ACritical]

Can’t be mentioned enough! Every antibiotic prescription should automatically come with a course of probiotics.

[mickeymouse42]

Nobody knows what causes Intrinsic Factor antibodies; it could be low and lowering levels of B12 that trigger the autoimmune response. What causes low levels of B12 can be down to many things. As you say, widespread use of antibiotics without accompanying probiotics can lead to gut related problems that affect Vitamin absorption in the gut.

[Ritchie1268]

Many medications can cause B12 deficiency, and or Pernicious Anemia.One of which as I'm sure we're all aware of are PPI's Proton Pump Inhibitors, such as Omeprazole and Lansoprazole.

My PA was caused by years of prescribed OxyContin, the cause of the Opioid epidemic in the US.

I would always suffer extreme acid reflux due to OxyContin, which I was then given Omeprazole to help.

Little did I know at the time that I didn't stand a chance as I was causing damage initially from the Oxy, and also giving my digestive system a double whammy from the PPI's.

[Rmcc16]

I’ve been on lansoprazole for years and between it and multiple courses of antibiotics for helicobacter and been getting b12 injections monthly for about 3 years now. What’s the alternative to taking lansoprazole and if I can find something that works, is it likely to help the b12 or is the damage already done? Thanks in advance

[forshaw2 in reply to Rmcc16]

I use DGL from the health store, it is real licorice lozenges, not the candy stuff, It coats the stomach...use as needed before meals.

[KEFNB in reply to Rmcc16]

For what it’s worth, I have stopped H-pylori overnight twice with a jar of Manuka honey (a strong one 850 mgo). I made sure my stomach was empty for at least three hours and took two tablespoons (approximately) with just the tiniest bit of water. I wanted the honey to be the least dilute as possible. I took almost the whole bottle in a couple of hours just prior to bed. Next morning much, much improved and then I finished the little bit left in the bottle. I did this two times about 2 years apart. Both worked like a miracle.

My mom had been treated for it with the usual two antibiotics and it nearly killed her at 90 years old, so that’s why I tried the M Honey.

[PolyannaYorkshire]

Apple cider vinegar is brill instead of PPIs