Generic Link?

[EliTottie]

I have historically been diagnosed with low B12 and now two of my children have been diagnosed with my son starting injections in new year. Is anyone aware of a genetic component to this condition? Thanks.

[wedgewood]

There is definitely a genetic link with the most common reason for B12 deficiency, namely Pernicious Anaemia .

[topazrat]

Both my Mum and Dad had autoimmune P.A. Extremely bad luck, considering that it isn't that common! I have it and one of my brothers is starting to show symptoms, as are my children, but all are 'in range' at the moment. But due to family history they are all being regularly tested.

[Nackapan]

Yes. 3 generations are affected in my family .

[Swift20]

Yes, my dad has it and his uncle had it.

[Ipsofacto01]

Definitely, I have four children, two with my first husband and then identical twins with my current (20 years old today!) who all have it, so must be a strong link? They all choose to bury their head in the sand though 😞

[Orchard33]

My mother had it, though undiagnosed. She had peripheral neuropathy for 10 years before her death. I have it, as does my sister, although she is reluctant to take it seriously so far.

[Nackapan in reply to Orchard33]

Hope she does before she can't ignore the horrible symptoms that may come alongYour poor mum 😢

[tomdickharry]

It is well known that pernicious anaemia can be inherited - I had an aunt and a great aunt with it, in those days it required rather nasty injections of raw liver extract. I was diagnosed with PA nearly 40 years ago.

I don't know about malabsorption or faulty digestion, but see no reason why any metabolic defect can not be inherited.

[HeartyGilly]

why is it that family members are in denial? Mine are too

[Dee011960]

I believe it is genetic/inherited, 1 of my sisters has PA as well as me, I was diagnosed a few years before her, but when she told me her symptoms I told her to get her B12 checked and it came back as having PA, along with the symptoms she was having! I'm pleased that your GP is believing it is inherited/genetic, as my poor daughter has the same symptoms but her GP tells her it is not genetic/inherited and won't test!

[Kazania]

Yes, I have it and also an aunt.

[Lin602]

Absolutely, I got it from my father, thanks, Dad! When I first noticed symptoms of PA, 20 some years ago, I started taking oral cyanocobalamin. It worked for many years until I was tested, diagnosed, and started injections of hydroxocobalamin. I suggest anyone with a family history and mild symptoms should take oral b12. It can't cause harm and might manage symptoms without a struggle with the healthcare system. It might take some experimenting to find which form works best, cyano, hydroxo, methyl, or adenosyl. Scientifically speaking, hydroxo should work best because it breaks down to the 2 forms we need, methyl and adenosyl. Cyano does that also but it is more difficulty to metabolize in the body. Research has shown that most people can manage quite well on a dose of 2mg per day of oral hydroxocobalamin or cyanocobalamin. Oral B12 is commonly used in the US, especially for the elderly population or anyone who needs an energy boost.

[Mashie44]

I wasn't aware of anyone in the family with it except me -- then I mentioned my condition to my cousin who immediately said 'Oh, that's what your great-grandfather died of..." Yes, there is a genetic aspect.