Blood test results

[Kerry1971]

The Dr phoned me today with my test results and said they were all normal except my B12 which was higher than the normal range. I don't take any B12 supplements. What could cause this and what does it mean. The Dr didn't seam worried.

[Ruthi]

First of all check that you really haven't got B12 hidden somewhere in a mixed supplement.

If you are sure you aren't taking any your doctor should check both kidney and liver function.

Been through it all, turned out to be hidden B12(and folic acid) in a supplement that I thought wouldn't have it.

[Kerry1971 in reply to Ruthi]

I have just checked all my medication and nothing had B12 in. Had liver and kidneys checked in September and all was ok.

[Ruthi in reply to Kerry1971]

In that case, if all was checked you are just unusual.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Kerry1971 Never trust a doctor when they say results are 'normal', normal doesn't mean anything, and we need 'optimal'. Always ask for a print out of your results and make sure the reference ranges are included.

How do you feel?

[Kerry1971 in reply to SeasideSusie]

It was a telephone appointment so couldn't see the results for myself. I had the tast done as I feel exhausted, anxious and don't sleep well. I am on 125mg of lethrothyroxine and my thyroid results were good when I was tested in September so he did some extra tests to see if there was something else wrong. I also have a bowel condition and had 1/3 of my large bowel removed last year so have a few health issues going on.

[greygoose]

Do you know what the normal range is? Sometimes, the highest level is rather low, so it really doesn't matter if your level is above it. Nothing means anything without the ranges.

[Kerry1971 in reply to greygoose]

No it was a telephone appointment and I was at work so the conversation was brief

[greygoose in reply to Kerry1971]

Best to go and get a copy of all your results - it's your legal right to have one - and the ranges.

[Kerry1971]

Yes will ask for it when I next go. Have to wait over a month to see my Dr so it's quicker to get a telephone appointment if it's just for results. I'm not worried as my Dr said everything was OK.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Have you had folate and vitamin d levels checked?

Vitamin D absorption could be significantly affected by your bowel issues. Magnesium too

Low levels of other B's could be affecting the B12. They apparently all have to work together.

drgominak.com/vitamin-d-hor...

[Kerry1971 in reply to SlowDragon]

Yes had all those checked and they were fine. I do take magnesium supplements. I have slow transit constipation which means the nerves and muscles in my bowel don't work. I spent 2 years in and out of hospital with volvolus causing bowel obstruction. Since my surgery last year to remove 1/3 of my large bowel I have not been back in since. I still have problems as the rest of my bowel still doesn't work but am on a gluten, dairy and soya free diet.

[Hidden in reply to Kerry1971]

I wouldn't worry. I don't think there's any evidence that above nhs range b12 is dangerous at all.

[Wishingwell]

I wouldn't worry about high b12 as high in DRS views are optimal in mine. I'm way above " normal " range now because I have injections but for me that's better than being at rock bottom of range which is where I was.

If you are concerned as others have suggested get a print out of labs always useful to do that anyway to see exactly where you are in the " normal " range. That's for all bloods. But don't worry as high levels not a bad thing and you are probably getting it in your diet - eggs, chicken are good sources.

[Gambit62]

of itself high B12 levels aren't a problem as there is no known toxicity from B12 - one form of B12 is used in extremely high doses to treat cyanide poisoning and is the treatment of choice because of the lack of side-effects - the only problem with it is the amount of saline that is needed which can lead to hypertension.

As above B12 levels may be elevated as a result of some liver and kidney problems, and high levels in serum can cause an autoimmune reaction which stops B12 getting through to the cell level. If this has been investigated as a possibility then ...

High levels in serum can cause a functional B12 deficiency - which interferes with the transfer of B12 from blood to cells where it is needed - this would give you symptoms of B12 deficiency even though you have high levels in your blood. This can be checked by looking at MMA and homocysteine levels - nasties that build up if cells don't have enough B12 but they can also be raised by other things, and in the case of MMA that includes liver and kidney problems.

Symptoms of B12 overlap with symptoms of thyroid so identify if you are symptomatic may be difficult ... and chances are your GP knows very little about B12 deficiency and has probably never heard of functional B12 deficiency.

list of symptoms here

pernicious-anaemia-society....

and more information on B12 on tohe PAS Forum

healthunlocked.com/pasoc

[Eddie83]

The word "normal" isn't meaningful. Please post the actual results with units and ranges.

[Kittysmum]

Get tested for mthfr this can anomalies in the b vitamins. High result can sometimes mean low uptake due to i.e this condition which is common.