Normal serum b12….low active

[oily1601]

Hi everyone

The last few times I’ve had my b12 tested,my serum has been normal but my active is quite low.

Does anyone know why this is?any help would be much appreciated

[wedgewood]

That’s because the blood serum result can contain up to 80% inactive B12 , which cannot be absorbed by our cells . The active test is more accurate .

[oily1601 in reply to wedgewood]

I had the active b12 done with medichecks….the serum b12 was nhs.

Doctor didn’t seem that concerned.Don’t know what to do really

[wedgewood in reply to oily1601]

Well do you have B12 deficiency symptoms ? If you do , your doctor should be concerned . You don’t mention any .

The serum test is cheaper . But some NHS surgeries do the Active B12 test . ..

[oily1601 in reply to wedgewood]

Thanks for the quick reply.Yes I do have many symptoms….Will have to go back to my go and hopefully can can more tests done.

Thank you

[wedgewood]

The reason for your low B12 coupled with your symptoms must be found . The most common reason is Pernicious Anaemia , an autoimmune condition which must be treated with B12 injections FOR LIFE . I’m afraid that the medical profession is quite ignorant on this condition. That’s why this forum was started .

There are other reasons for B12 deficiency. Your doctor must find the reason .

[BirdlessBox in reply to wedgewood]

I think mine came from bowel issues all my life, not absorbing properly. No-one ever took enough interest for me to get a definite answer.

[Cornwaller]

What was your serum level? What was the normal range you used to assess it?

[oily1601 in reply to Cornwaller]

My serum level was up over 700,with 900 being top of the range….so really don’t understand why my active b12 is so low

[wedgewood in reply to oily1601]

It’s just suspicious that you have B12 deficiency symptoms and a low active B12 result . The blood serum result can contain up to 80% of INACTIVE b12 which your body cannot use .

[oily1601 in reply to wedgewood]

Hopefully I’ll get some sense when I go back to my gp and get more tests.

Thanks for your help…much appreciated

[wedgewood]

I hope that you get some help from your GP . Trouble is that the medical profession is mostly very ignorant on the subject of B12 deficiency. 🍀🍀