If you are PA, then would Vitamin B complex supplements still show up on blood test results?
I had been feeling VERY unwell with low thyroid & had to increase levothyroxine 8 weeks ago, but someone pointed out at that time that my B12 level which was low-ish at389ng/L (normal range 197-771)
I "temporarily" took a high strength B12 lingual spray & B complex for about 2 weeks, & that obviously did show that my B12 is now fine at 489, I think?
However I think that I did take a lesser strength B complex tablet prior to the blood test showing 389, say about 2 months previous, so yes, might this have elevated that level?
I am going to get tested in 3-4 months time, on my usual healthy diet without supplements , & just wondered?
I have not been formally diagnosed with Hashimoto's, but my thyroid autoimmune antibodies are very high & I do wonder if I am PA, so will have to wait.
Thank you
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Ian232
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Yes the B12 in a B complex can show up in a blood test, though it can also depend on the amount. How much b12 is in your complex? How much folate? Folate can also mask b12 deficiency by normalizing red blood cells.
Although the defining feature of PA is inability to absorb B12 orally (from food, supplements), very frequently we see people whose serum b12 levels go up with high doses of b12. But symptoms are not resolved.
And in your case, if you were taking 1000 mcg B12 for 2 weeks, i would have expected levels to go up more. How much was in the spray you used?
There is also 'functional b12 deficiency' in which serum levels are normal / go up but b12 doesn't get into the cells. The tests Homocysteine and MMA can usually help diagnose that but they too can need a few months off tablets to show deficiency.
Do you have any red blood cell panels from before the B complex? Sometimes that will show high MCV.
You can already ask for antibodies to be tested now, no need to wait : intrinsic factor (IF) and gastric parietal cell (GPC) antibodies.
The first b complex that I may have taken prior to 389 result was vitabiotoics ultra vit B complex with 50ug of b12 & 200ug of folic acid
The two that I took more recently were 1200μg B12 oral spray (Better You) since 30th May 2023 and then Vitamin B-Complex (Pink Tribe Liposomal) since 7th June 2023. The later has 500ug of B12 & 400ug folate, & biotin.
I told my GP what I was concerned about & what I had done (out of desperation) and he wanted me to carry on taking to see if it was "going in" for next blood test which was on the 19th June, so I stopped on 18th, in preparation for a 4 month test.
As for symptoms, yes lots, including internal vibrations/buzzing, headaches, feeling on pricking in feet & hands, memory problems, & drowsiness, depression, anxiety.
Touchwood, I do actually feel quite a bit better, so I am guessing levothyroxine has helped, & much of these symptoms faded, so maybe supllement did help in some way?
I will look into the intrinsic factor test, & gastric parietal cell later today.
Thank you again for your help, & sorry if I have bogged you down with figures & dates. I have included this image which may help, but please remember that I was taking these supplements which included biotin right up to the date before last blood test on 19th June.
MCH is in the red too, & looks to have been since last year too.
The 50 ug is not excessive but can still raise levels in someone with dietary deficiency.
I cannot see an image?
It's very difficult to say what's going on. A daily symptoms log may help. Thyroid & B12D and other conditions all tend to overlap a bit.
And there appear to be phases of PA. My 2 relatives managed ok on high dose b12 sublinguals for several years until symptoms became overwhelming. Others manage on high doses sublinguals alone. But most with PA will need injections.
It seems wise to stop & retest after a few months. A large drop will tell you if it's a malabsorption problem. But are you vegan/vegetarian?
I am not sure what happened to that image? I will try again.
I think I have a well balanced diet, & and definitely not vegan or vegetarian.
It is weird! I have been on an antipsychotic (aripiprazole/abilify) for ocd for years. I stopped that cold turkey as directed by a psychiatrist last August, just before being discharged from psychiatry. About 8 weeks later I ended up VERY ill with depression & psychosis! I had to go back on it, & once stabilised "taper" down. Looking at past blood tests, you can see when I went on it, & when I came off it, as if it lowers B12?
I really do appreciate your help, but yes, I will try again in a few months time, & in the meantime look into the IF & GPC test.
Hi jade_s I took a intrinsic factor antibody test through Medichecks & the test was fine at 1.01
<1.2 Negative
1.2 - 1.53 Borederline
>1.53 Positive
They did recommend that I consider a parietal cell antibody test, which I will, but perhaps see if my doctor could do this on my next lots of blood tests. I am still carrying on my usual diet & keeping off the supplements, & will get a full test done after the 4 month gap from B supplements.
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