high b12 high mch and mcv

[nyx19]

Hi,

b12 797 (145 - 637)

folate 35.1 (7 - 39)

mch 37.6 (27.4 - 33.9)

mcv 110 (83 - 97)

iron 12 (8 - 30)

ferritin 69.30 (13 - 150)

haemoglobin 124 (119 - 157)

What does this mean? I am not taking b12 supplements or injections. My GP said that I had a b12 deficiency (she didn't measure my b12), so I went to the haematologist and have just gotten these blood tests, I have an appointment in 10 days. This does not look like a b12 deficiency to me... or I'm missing something?

[FlipperTD]

Scientist, not medic. I freely admit, 'I'm coming out with my hands up!'

I look forward to your next post; I have not yet figured out what's going on. I'd be interested in seeing a retic count.

Good luck. At least you're being seen by someone.

[nyx19 in reply to FlipperTD]

Retic count is as follows:

12‰ (5.00 - 21.60)

39.60 (22.00 - 97.00)

I hope that my haematologist will provide more details soon.

[FlipperTD in reply to nyx19]

Still baffled!

Good luck.

[Beckburybelle in reply to FlipperTD]

I would love to have a chat

[FlipperTD in reply to Beckburybelle]

How can I help?

[helvella]

Can we assume you have over the years had various blood tests which would, viewed together, rule out a genetic basis for unusual results?

[nyx19 in reply to helvella]

Yes, that's correct.

[Jo5454]

Maybe theyre thinking it could be more of a Functional b12 deficiency? What symptoms do you have? I was having severe symptoms when my b12 was 500 & this time around at 600 but had low ferritin too 1st time around, once I supplemented iron b12 dropped much lower. Have you been poorly recently to make your ferritin read higher by any chance?

Have they tested Active b12? Mine is usually about 10% of serum b12 result,but guess that varies for everyone? When St Thomas did a postal/GP test( those were the days!) it stated if Active b12 25-70 it was referred for Methylmalonic Acid testing & if that over-range,could mean a Functional deficiency which meant adequate measurement in blood,but not sufficient at tissue level.

Perhaps they'll test Active b12 next..

I've read MCH can be high due to thyroid problems too? At least they're on your case & hope you soon get to bottom of things...

[nyx19 in reply to Jo5454]

I haven't heard that MCH can be high due to thyroid problems. I do have hypothyroidism and my haematologist knows about it, but never mentioned it could be connected. However, I have had a thyroid issue for the past 8 years, and I started getting these kinds of lab results last year in October, so I don't know if there's a connection. Wouldn't it appear sooner if it were caused by my thyroid?

No, they haven't tested active B12. These were some basic preliminary tests, and my haematologist said that she will order some other tests depending on the results. So, we will see what other tests she'll order.

My symptoms include extreme fatigue, pallor, weakness, joint pain, muscle pain and twitches, pins and needles, dizziness, nausea, frequent headaches.

[Jo5454 in reply to nyx19]

No I hadn’t heard it either, just came across mentions of online, so don’t know why/how, just it said along with b12/folate, higher MCH/mcv can be linked to thyroid issues & some infections? No Dr of mine nhs wise has ever mentioned mine being higher, just got printouts. I guess it’s a matter of trialling one thing at a time to find the answer, if taking adequate b12 & MCH lowers presume we’ve found the answer?

A couple years of taking monthly injections my MCH raised againso did tsh & ferritin was low at time, so it’s like being a detective, is there still not enough b12,is there not enough iron to help it, has thyroid gone amiss because of that or is it the thyroid causing the MCH. Oh the joys😀

I think you’re right, (tho I only hazard a guess!)maybe it would’ve showed up before now if thyroid linked& those symptoms sound very b12 like don’t they & identical to what mine & many others are. Sorry you’re experiencing them, makes you feel rotten, but glad you’ve found some support & will look forward to hearing how they will help you next. Roll on that appointment.

[Gambit62 Administrator]

from the results above you appear to have macrocytic anaemia - your red blood cells are larger and rounder than they should be. The most common cause is folate/B12 deficiency but your results are showing food folate levels and your B12 is above the normal range.

As mentioned by Jo5454 the results would be consistent with functional B12 deficiency - plenty of B12/elevated B12 in your blood but for some reason it isn't getting through to your cells.

The most common cause of elevated B12 levels is supplementation or treatment for B12 deficiency.

Some energy drink contain ridiculous amounts of B12 and there have been cases of just the use of energy drinks raising B12 levels and causing problems.

Other potential causes of elevated B12 levels are kidney issues (B12 not being removed as efficiently) and liver issues (can cause B12 stores to be dumped suddenly.

Suggest you follow up with the haematologist on further tests which could include liver function, kidney function, MMA

[ClareP5]

It's your MCV rate - is above the range - this is a classic indicator of B12 deficiency that most GPs ignore - so you've got a good one! You're also low on iron and ferritin.

[Jo5454]

Hi nyx19, how did your appointment go? Hoping you got some answers and good support...