B12 Deficiency Symptoms? New Guidelines for th... - Thyroid UK

Thyroid UK

140,281 members164,998 posts

B12 Deficiency Symptoms? New Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Cobalamin and Folate Disorders, from the BCSH

7 Replies

bcshguidelines.com/document...

This is a huge step forward in getting B12 deficiency diagnosed and treated, although far from perfect. If you have any thought in your head that you might be B12 deficient please read this document with a fine toothcomb and bring to your GP.

DO NOT SUPPLEMENT FIRST!

Skip to Algorithm 1 for a diagnosis summary flowchart. Note that if you have symptoms and a normal serum B12, treatment should be commenced regardless, whilst second line tests are done - anti-IFAbs, Active B12, MMA, Homocysteine.

Also note that you can have negative anti-IFabs PA, a clinical response to treatment is enough reason to continue treatment FOR LIFE.

And even more important, even if there's absolutely no biological evidence of deficiency (i.e. ALL the tests are "normal") the doc has the option to continue treatment if there has been a good clinical response.

Hopefully now it becomes more clear why I am always saying please don't place any importance on the serum B12 test.

Have to pop out now, will read through the whole thing later and highlight anything else I think might help us.

H x

Read more about...
7 Replies
Marz profile image
Marz

Thanks hampster1.... M

shambles profile image
shambles

Thank you.

silverfox7 profile image
silverfox7

Thanks!

Coastwalker profile image
Coastwalker

Thanks hampster1, off to read your linky :)

flatfeet1 profile image
flatfeet1

Thank you for this Hampster,

I haven't read all of it yet. I have, as you suggested I tried to find the Algorithm 1 for a diagnosis summary flowchart, but as yet can't see it. Have I misunderstood you or I'm I just not seeing it.

It looks a really useful article Many thanks xx

in reply to flatfeet1

Hi flatfeet1,

The diagnosis flowchart Algorithm 1 is on page 29, quite close to the end.

These are official guidelines, the BCSH actually sets the guidelines for GPs to follow, so this is something that your GP can't ignore (although I'm sure some of them will try)!

H x

flatfeet1 profile image
flatfeet1 in reply to

Found :-) thanks

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

blood tests for b12 and folate

Can anyone give me advise on these tests, these were the last tests that the doctor completed for...

Diagnosis and treatment of B12 deficiency or PA

I know I keep harping on about B12 but I can't stop myself as it seems to be so often connected to...

Seeking advice for my mother. Is there any link among Hashimoto thyroid, B12 deficiency and mutation of the gene JAK2?

My mother has had Hashimoto for over 15 years now and she also takes pills for to control...

The Association Between Severity of Vitamin D Deficiency and Hashimoto's Thyroiditis.

We keep shouting about vitamin D to every newly diagnosed person. This paper rather suggests why...

B12 and folate deficiency

Hello, I wonder if anyone can advise me, I was diagnosed with over active thyroid last July and put...