Breathlessness!

[Laverdista]

Hi. I know that breathlessness is a big symptom of B12 deficiency, although I didn't have it at all until I started self-injecting 5 weeks ago.

However, my breathlessness seems to be getting worse by the day, and I had to sit outside in the garden for most of today, because I felt like I had real air hunger indoors.

Is there anything else that could be exacerbating the breathlessness apart from B12D? I did notice that the only day I didn't have it too bad this week was the day I forgot to take my 5mg folinic acid. But that's probably a coincidence?

Any tips gratefully received!

[PlatypusProfit8077]

Was your folate super low, that you are taking 5mg of folic?

I felt awful when I was trying to take too much folic, and it probably wasn’t needed at all. I have had great results with just B12 and only 500mcg of folic on injection days.

[Laverdista in reply to PlatypusProfit8077]

Thanks. Yes, my folate was super low (2.7) when I started self-injecting, hence the 5mg. However, I do seem to feel rotten when I take it, and (re: my previous post about my depression and anxiety) another user has pointed out that NICE guidelines say that folinic acid in large doses 'may cause anxiety and depression'...

Hopefully should have some new blood test results soon, and can see if the mega-supplementation of folinic acid (folic acid upset my stomach) has worked.

[PlatypusProfit8077 in reply to Laverdista]

I think I remember that B9 is one of the easiest to absorb and get levels up. So hopefully the tests show that’s worked for you and you can ease off on the tablets.

[Iheartb12]

I have a very hard time breathing when I vitamin D deficient which happens every few years cuz I'd always forget my vitamins (b12d brain foginess)

[Laverdista in reply to Iheartb12]

Thanks. Have been supplementing my vitamin D for the last month, as it was quite low, so I'm hoping my levels have gone up, but will see when I get my blood test results this week.

[Jillymo]

My breathlessness was due to high blood pressure.

It might be worth getting your BP checked.

[Laverdista in reply to Jillymo]

Thanks. I do have high blood pressure (see my previous post about it), which has got even higher since I've been injecting, but have never had breathlessness from it before.

[Jillymo in reply to Laverdista]

Are you on blood pressure tablets ? It is important your high blood pressure is treated. I dont wish to alarm anyone but I suffered heart failure.

[Laverdista in reply to Jillymo]

Thanks. Yes, on 3 hypertension medications. Am seeing my cardiologist this week!

[Jillymo in reply to Laverdista]

Pleased to hear your seeing you cardiologist at least you will be able to discuss your concerns and get them checked out.

Better to be safe than sorry.

[Tanitha]

Iron anaemia/low ferritin levels cause miserable shortness of breath. Have you thought of trying methylfolate? Sometimes it's worth trying a different form and also being aware of fillers/additives. Being chemically sensitive it's been a challenge for me but tolerate Nutri Advanced Vitamin D3 with K2 and BioCare Nutrisorb Methylfolate quite well. Both are drops and it's easy to adjust the dose. Generally I have found when introducing something new I can't take the full recommended dose and need to increase gradually.

[Laverdista in reply to Tanitha]

Thanks. Have actually been trying D3 drops to titrate, as felt a bit odd on the mega-dose straight away. Doesn't methyl folate cause anxiety in some people? I've held off from trying it so far as my anxiety is off the charts as it is.

[Tanitha]

I think much depends on what is causing the deficiency and how you absorb folate rather than one type causing a problem. The Cytoplan/Dr Morris video which has been posted on here recently (vimeo.com/891099138/4150efa... explains it well but there are many reports on it's success in helping to treat anxiety.