Low B12 and folate...

[Sarahlouise1980]

I have low levels of both B12 and folate. I have 5mg tablets of folic acid on prescription and get on fine with them. The B12 however is causing me problems. I brought the Jarrows 1000mcg sublinguals and I’ve been taking 1 a day for the last three weeks. I am covered in spots. My face, hairline, chest, tops of arms and my back. I stopped taking them a few days ago and the spots have started to subside. As I am likely to need to supplement B12 for life, could I take a much lower dose? Maybe in a B Complex? I have no symptoms except hairloss and oily skin which I think might be hormonal rather than due to the low B12. Certainty no neurological symptoms. Please be kind, I’m feeling very low at the moment and the acne is an extra kick in the teeth 😥.

Thank you xx

[shaws Administrator]

I am sorry you're feeling bad and hope things improve soon.

First of all, if you have low B12 has your GP excluded pernicious anaemia? I would go onto the P.A. site for some assistance. B12 is a very important hormone and they'll have more expertise. You may need some B12 injections.

[Padders12]

A lot of people get spots to start with. There not just normal spots either they are huge and sore! All I can say is that they didn’t last. Don’t give up x

[Gambit62]

If you don't have a B12 absorption problem and the cause is dietary, eg little or no B12 in your diet then 50mcg 2x per day is the recommended dose to rebuild levels.

If your diet isn't rich in folate then you should seriously look at your diet and improve it as diet is the best source.

If diet isn't the problem and your low level of B12 is due to an absorption problem then 50mcgx2 per day isn't going to be enough.

You really need to go back to your GP and clarify the reason for the low B12 and if it is 'low' because that is your natural level or if you are low because you have an absorption problem..

If by low you mean you are definitely in the 'deficient' range. the cause isn't dietary, and you are in the UK then you should be being treated with B12 injections. More advice on the PAS forum where I note you have already posted.

Serum B12 can be used to diagnose a B12 absorption problem by looking for significant drops in serum B12 level (>20% which is the accuracy of the test) over time, or a definite downward trend over a longer time scale).

PA is the most likely absorption problem, but SIBO is another possibility. The fact that you also have folate deficiency would make PA more likely.

Please note that depression and anxiety are also symptoms of both folate and B12 deficiency.