Vit b 12 injections

[sueysue]

My hubby has been having vit b injections for 18 months after being found to be deficient. However his latest blood test show his b12 at 2000. The doctor says this is ok and because of the injection. However I think it's a bit excessive. Advice please.

[helvella]

The only thing that is excessive is the actual testing!

I don't know why you think 2000 is excessive?

The NICE guidelines say:

Measuring cobalamin levels is unhelpful as levels increase with treatment regardless of how effective it is, and retesting is not usually required.

However, cobalamin can be measured 1–2 months after starting treatment if there is no response.

cks.nice.org.uk/topics/anae...

Testing B12 once on regular injections is simply a waste of money.

[sueysue in reply to helvella]

It was part of a battery of tests. Thanks for your reply 👍

[helvella in reply to sueysue]

Ah - I read it as a GP had ordered the test. Bundles do end up potentially having unnecessary items.

[PlatypusProfit8077]

because of the injections, his levels are fine. I’m surprised the Dr actually knew that - that’s impressive!

High levels without injections would be a concern but if he’s on regular injections, it’s absolutely fine.

[sueysue in reply to PlatypusProfit8077]

Thankyou

[Rexz in reply to sueysue]

2000 is perfectly normal and where it will stay as long as you're supplementing through injections. My B12 has been 2,000 for five years now. Btw that's only because that's the maximum that the test can measure. So it's actually greater than 2,000. You've found a great doctor who understands this...keep him/her!

Rexz

[sueysue in reply to Rexz]

Thankyou x

[wedgewood]

You are indeed lucky to have a knowledgeable GP . 2000, is not excessive as it looks like your husband can’t absorb B12 as he should . It’s fortunate that one cannot overdose on B12 ( unlike most other vitamins and minerals) . It is good to be cautious as you are , but in this instance you are wrong . But yes take care with other vitamins, minerals and trace elements . That’s a different story . Best wishes .

[sueysue in reply to wedgewood]

Was hoping I was wrong as I am not medically qualified. Thanks for answering me x

[waveylines in reply to sueysue]

Aw... and relax! It's fine. I wish my GP was knowledgeable like yours!!

[Sleepybunny]

Hi,

Just curious as to whether the GP knows why your husband is B12 deficient.

If it's not related to diet or to medicines/drugs he's taking, has GP tested your husband for PA (Pernicious Anaemia) and coeliac disease?

PA and coeliac disease are two autoimmune conditions that can lead to B12 deficiency.

PAS (Pernicious Anaemia Society).

pernicious-anaemia-society....

PAS membership is separate from membership of this forum.

pernicious-anaemia-society....

There are PAS support groups in UK.

pernicious-anaemia-society....

I thought you might find this PAS article interesting

Testing B12 During Treatment

pernicious-anaemia-society....

Next article comes from a Dutch B12 website.

Testing B12 During Treatment

stichtingb12tekort.nl/engli...

Coeliac UK website has info on diagnosis of coeliac disease.

coeliac.org.uk/information-...

Other UK B12 websites

B12info.com

Has lots of useful info and interesting blog posts.

b12info.com/

B12d.org

Organises interesting online talks.

b12d.org/event/

The B12 Society

Has useful lists of symptoms and causes.

theb12society.com/

I'm not medically trained just someone who suffered for years from unrecognised and untreated B12 deficiency.

[sueysue in reply to Sleepybunny]

Thankyou. He us 82 so they said it was age and diet related.

[Sleepybunny in reply to sueysue]

I'm so pleased his GP knows that a level of 2000+ is okay in someone on regular injections.

It's possible to have multiple causes of B12 deficiency at the same time.

If he's 82, I'm guessing it's quite likely to be age related...the levels of acid in the stomach can drop as people get older and this makes it harder for the body to get vitamin B12 from food.

PA (Pernicious Anaemia) is more common in older people so I think they should be testing him for PA.

Thread about tests for PA and B12 deficiency

healthunlocked.com/pasoc/po...

Might be a good idea to test him for coeliac disease as well (I'm not medically trained).

Coeliac UK have a helpline which I think non members can use.

coeliac.org.uk/home/

They might be able to tell you how likely coeliac disease is in the elderly.

Put "helpline" in search box on Coeliac UK website and this should show a link to a number.

If he already has an autoimmune condition then there is an increased chance of developing other autoimmune conditions.

Risk Factors/Causes - B12 deficiency

pernicious-anaemia-society....

b12info.com/whos-at-risk/

b12info.com/causes/

theb12society.com/causes-an...

People on this forum often report deficiencies in folate, iron and Vitamin D as well as B12.

I hope his doctor has checked these.

It's quite common for forum members here to report thyroid problems.

Thyroid UK forum on Health Unlocked is a good place to ask questions.

healthunlocked.com/thyroiduk

There are other forum posts about older people which might be useful to read.

Click on Posts tab (top left of screen on computer) then put "elderly" in search box.

[sueysue in reply to Sleepybunny]

Thanks so much for all this info. Really kind of you and much appreciated

[Fluffyfloo]

Normal for someone injecting B12.

[Lurcher-lady]

You’re very lucky to have a GP who knows their stuff. Wish mine did 😊

[bookish]

Hi, yes this is perfectly normal. In fact my serum B12 was over 2000 with just oral/sublingual but my consultants and GP knew that I needed injections so I am getting those now instead (weekly). I hope that your husband is getting regular injections still and making progress. It can take a long time.

[sueysue in reply to bookish]

Yes he is Thankkyou