B12 and folate now normal. All I’ve done is take folate and improve my diet?

[bflare]

I’m still awaiting biopsy results from an endoscopy in December. The report found atrophic gastritis. Subsequent B12 tests came back at 225ng/L and folate at 1.5. The limits in my area for B12 are 200 to 900.

My GP prescribed me 5mg folate. This was 2 week ago. I’ve also started eating better consuming veg and fish every day.

I had an appointment today with my GP and I took the current NICE guidelines on B12 and highlighted the relevant parts. My GP said my levels were normal. I argued this and pointed out that my B12 has dropped from 495 in 2023 to 225 now. I also pointed out that the serum test isn’t accurate so my levels could be lower. I also pointed out that I do have neurological symptoms such as pins and needles and according to the NICE guidelines that puts me at intermediate risk with the need for futher tests and it does actually suggest to commence with B12 injections.

My GP for some reason cannot give the MMA blood test or active B12. However, he did agree to give me the IFAB test and the parietal cell antibody test. He also retested my serum B12 and folate.

I’ve just had a text saying my B12 is now 429 and my folate is now normal at 24 which is on the high side now.

I’m a bit baffled as to what to think now. The endoscopy report stated atrophic gastritis with negative pylori so surely I must have autoimmune gastritis which essentially is PA? Any advice would be welcomed

[totallyFrustrated]

hello bglare

I am sorry to hear your GP is a cross between and horse and a donkey, but sadly most of them are. Testing B12 after you have taken B9 is pointless, you will never get reliable results. You didn't say if your symptoms were imporving, but after such a short time that would be unlikely. I am glad to see you have the strenght and power to stand up to your GP. Hang onto that because this is a rough ride and we need to be strong andf fight our corner.

When you have an hour, watch this. I found this incrediblly illuminating.

youtu.be/_xmM8JbSlnY?si=ySJ...(Not working as expected?)

Wishing you all the very best on your journey.

[bflare in reply to totallyFrustrated]

Thank you I shall give that a watch!

I'm not sure if my symptoms are PA related to be honest. I have occasional pins and needles, anxiety / depression and digestive issues. I must admit that my mood has really improved over the last couple of week even though i am concerned about the possibility of having PA and atrophic gastritis.

My GP now that the B12 & B9 are within range will likely sign me off as normal. However, i am still awaiting the results of the IFAB test and Anti-gastric parietal cell antibody test. Plus i did pay for a private blood panel before i started any supplementation which included:

Platelet count

Ferritin

MPV

Haemoglobin

Haematocrit

Red cell count

MCV

MCH

MCHC

RDW

Folate - serum

Vitamin B12 - active

Methylmalonic acid – serum

White cell count

Neutrophils

Lymphocytes

Monocytes

Eosinophils

Basophils

I'm also awaiting the results of the biopsies that were taken. I guess all i can do at the moment is wait for the results of the other tests then take it from there.

[B12life]

you need to find a doc who will listen or get your own supplies (b12, and needles) . YOUR B12 is definitely low and you are trending worse!

Docs don't understand b12 deficiency. It is deadly. B12 is responsible for cell generation. We regenerate cells every 120 days.

Neurological symptoms can become permanent is the deficiency is left in treated!

Do you know the cause (not eating meat or you eat meat daily but still ended up low)

[bflare in reply to B12life]

I’ve been in contact with Dr Andrew Klein from the YouTube video that totallyFrustrated posted in the comment above. He believes I'm definitely deficient and is willing to get me on B12 self injections.

I’m thinking that I’m deficient due to autoimmune gastritis. This should be confirmed this coming Thursday. However, my diet has been extremely poor so cannot be certain yet. I’ve also got the results of anti body tests that should be back this coming week.

[B12life in reply to bflare]

Exciting!!!

[Armagnac]

no idea if this is going to help. My wife also has haemochromatosis and was diagnosed with autoimmune gastritis. When the gastroenterologist did an endoscopy he also tested stomach acid. This was virtually non existent and according to him is caused by autoimmune gastritis. My wife also has SIBO no doubt caused by the low stomach acid. This also resulted in low B12. Venesections obviously don’t help as you must lose vitamins as well as blood. They took too much blood from my wife over a short period and her ferritin went through the floor. Her problems started after that. The medical profession is very bad at even thinking about low stomach acid. The first gastroenterologist she saw laughed when she asked if she might have low stomach acid!