Vitamin V6

[Jenna5]

I’m about to start taking Vitamin B12 supplements (Dr’s best) to boost my B12, mine is within range but trying to get it on the upper side rather than the lower end. I’ve read it’s best to take Vit B6 along side it to aid absorption, can anyone recommend a good brand?

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

A sublingual B12 (methylcobalamin) lozenge is better absorbed than capsules or tablets as it bypasses the stomach.

A B Complex should be taken when supplementing with B12 to balance all the B vitamins.

I don't know any about taking B6 alongside B12 to aid absorption but too much B6 over a period of time can cause nerve damage, numbness and tingling of the extremities.

[Jenna5 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Oops, maybe I’ll leave the B6 and get B12 lozenge instead, can you recommend any please?

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Jenna5]

Some members use Jarrow and are happy with it, I've not tried that brand amazon.co.uk/s/?ie=UTF8&key...

I like Cytoplan cytoplan.co.uk/vitamin-b12-... which is frequently on 3 for 2 which is when I stock up.

Biocare is a good brand and they do a liquid version.

Don't forget a good quality B Complex.

[Jenna5 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Great, thank you so much!! ☺️

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Jenna5]

You're welcome

[Jenna5 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Hi, sorry what mcg am I best with? My current B12 is 225 (range 180-914)

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Jenna5]

With a B12 result that low you should first of all check to see if you have any signs/symptoms of B12 deficiency b12deficiency.info/signs-an... and if you have then further testing is necessary - intrinsic factor antibodies, you may have Pernicious Anaemia and you may need B12 injections. The Pernicious Anaemia Society forum is a good source of advice healthunlocked.com/pasoc

I have read (but not researched so don't have links) that BCSH, UKNEQAS and NICE guidelines recommend:

"In the presence of discordance between test results and strong clinical features of deficiency, treatment should not be delayed to avoid neurological impairment."

If you can absolutely rule out B12 deficiency and Pernicious Anaemia then an extract from the book, "Could it be B12?" by Sally M. Pacholok:

"We believe that the 'normal' serum B12 threshold needs to be raised from 200 pg/ml to at least 450 pg/ml because deficiencies begin to appear in the cerebrospinal fluid below 550".

"For brain and nervous system health and prevention of disease in older adults, serum B12 levels should be maintained near or above 1000 pg/ml." In that case you should start with 5000mcg sublingual methylcobalamin. Once your level is at the top of the range you can reduce to 1000mcg as a maintenance dose. I take 1000mcg 4 or 5 days a week now my level is between 900-1000.Testing whilst supplementing will skew results, you will only get a baseline if you leave off supplementing for 4-5 months. However, testing whilst supplementing will give you an idea if you are taking enough or too much.

[Jenna5 in reply to SeasideSusie]

I do have a few of these symptoms but I thought it was due to my thyroid issues. The doctors tell me my B12 is fine so not sure how I’m going to get around them, I will make an appointment and see what they say. Thanks Jenna

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Jenna5]

Your GP said your B12 result is fine because it is in range, but the range is very wide and you are at the lower end.

It would probably be best if you post on the PA forum, list your symptoms, and they should be able to advise the best way to go about things.