Can PMR cause B12 deficiency?

[Jontie]

Evening all.

My latest bloodtest showed that I have raised Mcv (whatever that is). I've just had further tests for B12 deficiency. Is this something that's generally associated with PMR and or prednisolone (which I've been taking for 3.5 years now).

Thank you.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Not really as far as I know although it can be due to another autoimmune disorder leading to pernicious anaemia and once you have one a/i disorder you are more likely to develop another.

MCV is the mean corpuscular volume - the size of the red blood cells - and a raised level is common in megaloblastic anaemias due to B12 or folic acid deficiency.

[Harbel]

Hi Jontie

I suspected it could have been the other way around in my case. I ended up with being diagnosed with b12 deficiency and pernicious anemia a month before pmr diagnosis.

On checking back on blood results I was on the low side of normal for b12 5years earlier I think 116, but no further monitoring took place. When diagnosed I was less than 50 which is as accurate as they can get.

[Harbel]

But I agree with PMRPro more likely a common cause to both illnesses. So what causes autoimmune diseases. I don't know but have reduced as much as possible sugar intake, but that's just my me and I wanted to try something!

[Megams in reply to Harbel]

~A very wise action to take Harbel - added sugar absolutely a no no when trying to tick all the boxes in staying well where poss - unavoidable in fruit per se but I limit my fruit intake to 2 to 3 small amounts daily - these are my treats

[Jontie]

Ok thanks both. It is what it is, I suppose.

[Hindags]

Omeprazole can cause B12 deficiency. At least that is what I remember. Omeprazole was blamed for causing dementia, among other things. But then it was reported that the dementia was really caused by B12 deficiency which was caused by Omeprazole. I take Omeprazole and a B12 supplement just in case.