B12 testing advice please

[MidnightBlue]

I am concerned I may be low in B12. I supplement, but I have heard that supplementing can skew the result of a blood test. How long do I need to be off the supplement before I do the test? Also, is there a test for PA that is not affected by supplementing? Thanks for any help.

[007999]

Yes, there tests that you can do to check for PA:

1. Intrinsic Factor Antibodies

2. Methylmalonic Acid

3. Gastric Parietal Cell Antibodies

[MidnightBlue in reply to 007999]

Thanks, can the GP do these tests?

[007999 in reply to MidnightBlue]

of course they can but they are expensive so you might have a fight on your hands.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

I have done some recent vit and min testing and started supplements where results were low, my Vit D was particularly bad. When I ordered the repeat Vit D test I asked if I should stop the supplements and how long for. The reply was that if I want to know how the supplements are helping (so have a comparison with the original test) then to continue with them. If I wanted to know what my level was like without supplements then leave off for a while (I think 4 weeks for Vit D). I wanted to know how the supplements were helping my level so continued to take them.

For me Vit D supplements have helped tremendously in a relatively short time. I now need to find a maintenance dose to keep me at a good level. I'm still waiting for the results of the other tests as they're being done by a different lab.

[MidnightBlue in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thank you. I agree that for most vitamins all I want to know is are the levels ok given the supplements I am taking, but I think for B12 if you supplement it can make you look as if you have enough b12 even if you don't. Not sure why!

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to MidnightBlue]

Ah, OK, I didn't know about that with B12.

[Clutter]

Midnightblue, if you want a baseline B12 result you should stop supplementing B12 for months, the time it takes for red blood cells to die off and renew. If B12 is bottom of range or below range it would be a good idea to have intrinsic factor, gastric parietal cell antibodies and MMA tested before you resume supplementing.

PA Society may be able to advise whether supplementing B12 skews PA tests.

[MidnightBlue in reply to Clutter]

Thanks Clutter, I am not keen to stop supplementing for months as I worry that low b12 might cause damage. I will look into it further, thanks.