B12 Blood result

Hi there,

Following on from my last post a few months back and always have historically low normal b12 (taking no supplement).

Suggested to take a b12 daily and then the gp said to get a re test after 3 months. Being taking 1000 a day for three months.

Just really shocked at my blood results as shot up to 872 (211-911) - I had also not taken it for a couple of days before. I guess this means I have no problem absorbing it and a bit worried about absorbing too much now and may need to cut back?

Really happy its elevated but Is this normal to elevate so quick? I am not used to things increasing so well which may account for the shocked response - as I have hypoPARA and have o take a massive amount of calcium and it only just can reach he cut off normal🙃

Many thanks

[Regenallotment]

hmmm… but if you left it more days does it drop quickly?

And…. Do you have symptoms of deficiency suggesting it’s circulating but not getting where it’s needed?

If not … all good 👍

I would continue to maintain but perhaps try 3 -4 times a week, test again then 2-3 times a week etc.

B12 does get used up.

[Hidden in reply to Regenallotment]

I have noted one quick drop when two bloods were taken accidentally four weeks apart. something like 324 then four weeks later 214.

In regards to symptoms I am not sure what’s what at the moment. However, i do think my symptoms are now due to my hypoPARA as you can be symptomatic in normal range with that. But got other things going off too.

Yes i think your right I was just thinking that I may need to find a maintenance dose to keep it at a good level.

[Technoid]

Just a note regarding:

"a bit worried about absorbing too much now and may need to cut back"

There is no level of B12 which is indicative of toxicity. There is no tolerable limit and it is not possible to overdose. Paradoxical B12 deficiency is possible but it does look like you are absorbing from the tablet.

Bear in mind you are taking on oral dose of 1,000mcg and a much smaller amount would be absorbed (1% via passive absorption and then the 1.5mcg if you have working intrinsic factor). Many forum members have been injecting this 1,000 mcg dosage every other day for some years and some even more frequently. In comparison to that, you are taking quite a small dose indeed.

It is an oral dose often recommended to treat mild deficiency and if you're absorbing, can be effective in that respect.

It is also possible there wasn't an issue with your B12 absorption and you just naturally run on a slightly lower but still healthy serum B12 level (for you).

[Jillymo]

Hello Owl84,

Nice to see you, the good news is your absorbing so you have no issues in that department. With regard to your B12 levels dont worry you can not overdose, plus B12 is not toxic. It is a water soluable vitamin, any excess will be excreted in your urine. You can not absorb too much hence why they advise not to recheck levels once on treatment because they are normally way above range.

With regard to the Hypopara issue which is a totally different ball game, our levels need to be monitored on a regular basis.

I hope you are keeping well. 😘

[Hidden in reply to Jillymo]

Lovely to hear from you and hope you are keeping well too 😘

[RNRNC]

When I was first diagnosed with PA, I saw my PMP for burning of hands and feet, sleeping 16 hrs a day, and a variety of other classic PA symptoms. She didn't do bloodwork, but sent me to a Neurologist for nerve conduction studies and said that I could take some B12 which i did for a couple days. Later, I noticed that there is significant B12 in my multivitamins, too. The nerve studies were not normal. I followed up with Neurologist who did exam and extensive blood work and layer MRIs. My B12 was normal. HOWEVER, I had macrocytic anemia, elevated MMA and homocystine. Positive Intrinsic Factor Blocking Antibodies and Parietal Cell antibodies as well as spinal cord inflammation consistent with PA. NORMAL B12!There is usable B12 and Non-usable B12 circulating, especially if you took supplements. They can mask a low B12.

A normal B12 level doesn't mean you don't have PA or low B12. There are some tests that will differentiate it now, I believe. If you are symptomatic, it should include more of a work up.

That's my story. I'm improving with regular B12 injections.

[Hidden in reply to RNRNC]

thank you for that information that is really interesting and so glad that things are improving for you.

[Hockey_player]

There is no need to cut back! It is normal to have a high test result when you are supplementing. If the B12 keeps your symptoms away, keep taking it. Your body will excrete any that it does not need.