How do I know if I have PA?

[Krysagnes]

My issues with B12 only came to light after booking an iron infusion with Dr. Klein earlier this year. He asked me to stop taking any b vits for a month prior to my blood test. After 3 weeks of not taking B12 and other b complex supplements my health rapidly deteriorated. I became weaker by the day, sweating, heavy limbs, vertigo suddenly came on (to the point that the room span when I tilted my head even slightly), severe nausea, feeling faint, tinnitus, inability to drive etc... My blood test came back with high B12 as it was clearly still in my system. I have been supplementing with multi vitamins, b 12 and b complex over the past 20/30 years as part of my daily vitamins and this was the first time I had gone without them. I was shocked that not taking them for a few weeks had this huge effect on me. Does this mean I have PA?

[wedgewood]

Have a look at the reasons for B12 deficiency ,

Causes of Vitamin B12 deficiency .

Pernicious Anaemia ( also know as autoimmune gastritis) is the most common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency . It is an autoimmune condition.Autoimmune conditions seldom come alone . The most common autoimmune “companion”of P.A. is a thyroid condition . Rheumatoid arthritis is common .But there are over 100 autoimmune conditions!

In P.A. the body turns on itself and produces antibodies which destroy the parietal cells in the stomach . These cells produce the Intrinsic Factor and stomach acid , both of which are essential to the process of absorption of vitamin B12 .

Atrophic gastritis , which thins the stomach lining causes Pernicious Anaemia .

Unfortunately the Intrinsic Factor Antibodies do not always show up in the test for P.A. ( Intrinsic Factor Antibodies test). This happens about 50% of the time in P.A. patients — Often takes several tests before they show up .. …. Often doctors do not have this knowledge , and conclude that a negative test means no Pernicious Anaemia . Symptoms must always be treated .

Pernicious Anaemia is incurable and must be treated FOR LIFE with B12 injections.The regularity required to keep symptoms at bay can vary from daily to 3 monthly .. It is not known why there is such variation in need. More research is needed . Tablets are NOT the answer. If deficient for too long ( this is also of variable length ) a symptom can become irreversible . That’s why it’s essential to get prompt treatment.

OTHER CAUSES

Vegan or strict vegetarian diet .B12 is only found in meat, fish, dairy products and eggs.( some food stuffs are supplemented with B12 ) eg marmite . There is no plant source for vitamin B12. Take tablets , unless seriously deficient , when injections are called for till your levels are boosted . Then take tablets daily always .

Certain medications e.g. Metformin .Proton Pump Inhibitors ( P.P.I.s) There are very many others — look them up . If you can’t stop taking these medications, you’ll need injections .

Gastric surgeries Bariatric and others .eg Gastric Bypass, Sleeve Gastrectomy. B12 injections FOR LIFE required .

Also radiation treatment of the stomach , for a cancer , can destroy the parietal cells .— injections FOR LIFE required .

Infestation of fish tape worm ( different to meat tapeworm) caused by eating raw fish or insufficiently smoked fish that is eaten uncooked . Treat with an anti-parasitical medication. Then a few B12 injections till levels are satisfactory .

Helicobacter Pylori, the cause of peptic ulcers , a bacterial infection of the stomach, can cause vitamin B12 deficiency.Treatment with anti-biotics . Injections to quickly restore b12 levels.

Lyme disease caused by a bite from a tick ( Borrelia burgdorfei) can cause vitamin B12 depletion( and also vitamin D and magnesium depletion ) . A very nasty disease . Can cause many problems . Look up how you can identify such a bite when you have been walking in long grass etc . It makes a specially marked bite ( Bulls eye,circular ) Later a rash appears . Not all ticks carry the infection , but always see a doctor if you are worried . Treatment with antibiotics .

Abuse of nitrous oxide ( laughing gas) Midwives should take great care when administering nitrous oxide . Stop using nitrous oxide and have a few injections to boost B12 -

As we age , we produce less stomach acid, which can lead to B12 deficiency.. Take b12 tablets daily.

There is definitely a genetic connection to be considered if you have relatives with Pernicious Anaemia , or you know that they have or had treatment with B12 injections.

[Krysagnes in reply to wedgewood]

Thank you Wedgewood. I realise that the Intrinsic Factor Antibody test is unreliable, but I have just ordered one, so I will see... I was so shocked at how I deteriorated by not taking my usual supplements, so it seems I must have been absorbing a tiny amount and that was keeping me upright.