Supplementing with b12 before testing for pernicious anaemia?

[queenmabroo]

Hello all,

I did my regular thyroid tests through medichecks recently, and the main thing it showed up was low vit D and low b12. I've decided to work on raising these before changing my thyroid meds.

Because I've been having more migraines recently I've booked a docs appt and I'm going to ask to be checked for pernicious anaemia, due to symptoms and a family history. What I would like to know is whether if I start a b12 regime now (about a week before my doctors appointment) that will affect any pernicious anaemia testing?

[Coconutty]

You shouldn’t supplement until all testing has been completed. Supplements can skew results for a long time.

[Fruitandnutcase]

I wouldn’t supplement before blood tests especially B vitamins. Medichecks tell you not to take B vitamins before doing thyroid 11

[waveylines]

Im afraid your supplementation will affect the blood test results. Am not sure how long you will need to stop taking before testing. Id pop across to the PA support group on this site & ask them. I wouldnt take any more! Its only been a week but even so....

[Gambit62 in reply to waveylines]

you should not supplement B12 for at least 3 months - probably 6 if you want to get a reasonable reading for most B12 related tests - the exception is IFA testing (but as that's a pretty flaky test anyway - lots of false negatives) it's probably not worth the expense - and not sure where you would get it done privately

[queenmabroo]

Thank you all! Just to note I have not started the supplements yet. I also just managed to find on the PA society page a warning saying not to take them before doing the Intrinsic Factor test, so definitely won't start it yet.