I have underactive thyroid and other medical problems have been tested in the past as positive for intrinsic factor antibodies and my mother had pernicious anaemia. I have annual blood tests but always told ‘normal’
I wonder though…. My latest result is
Serum vitamin B12 level (XE2pf) 288 ng/L [110 - 914] should I supplement?
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Sususulio
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I tested positive for parietal cell antibodies - I am not ill but have many symptoms common to both thyroid and b12 deficiency, joint pain, tiredness. I realise I’m in range just wondered whether the aim should be to be higher within it, my thyroid results are also in range - thank you though
I have learnt that B12 def/PA are sympton led illnesses, that tests do not and cannot allow for individual absorption issues. This, of course, makes it much more problematic for medics to deal with as tests are seen as more or less decisive. With these conditions they are not. What we are dealing with, it seems to me, is a highly complex bio-chemical puzzle that is highly individual. Conventional medicine finds it very difficult to respond to the individual.
I was high in range for B12 when a very helpful doctor started me on injections. I am a million times better for having them. The blood tests are not reliable and if you have PA you should be on injections for life.
Do you mean that you test positive for both intrinsic factor antibodies and parietal cell antibodies? If so you should be on injections for life as you have confirmed PA.
If you tested positive for both IFAb (Intrinsic Factor Antibodies) and GPCA (Gastric Parietal Cell Antibodies), you have a blood relative with PA and symptoms consistent with B12 deficiency then I think it's likely that you have PA.
Worth joining and talking to PAS who can offer support and pass on useful info
Delayed or inadequate treatment increases the risk of permanent neurological damage. There have been forum members who developed SACD, sub acute combined degeneration of the spinal cord from delayed or inadequate treatment.
PAS article about SACD, sub acute combined degeneration of the spinal cord
I usually urge UK forum members to find out what's in the local B12 deficiency guidelines for their ICB (Integrated Care Board) or Health Board. If you can't find them online or by searching forum posts then best bet is to submit a FOI (Freedom of Information) request to ICB or Health Board asking which B12 deficiency guidelines are used locally and for a link to or copy of them.
See blog post below if you want to know why I suggest this.
"What You Need to Know About Pernicious Anaemia and Vitamin B12 Deficiency" by Martyn Hooper
Martyn Hooper is the chair of PAS (Pernicious Anaemia Society).
UK treatment info in book is out of date. See NICE CKS link for up to date info.
"Could it Be B12?: An Epidemic of Misdiagnoses" by Sally Pacholok and JJ. Stuart (US authors)
Very comprehensive with lots of case studies. There is also a paediatric version of this book "Could It Be B12? Paediatric Edition: What Every Parent Needs to Know".
Links to forum threads where I left detailed replies with lots of B12 deficiency info eg causes and symptoms, more UK B12 documents, B12 books, B12 films, B12 websites and B12 articles and a few hints on dealing with unhelpful GPs.
Some links may have details that could be upsetting.
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