I had bloods done today so I should get the results in a few days but GP has only requested serum B12 to be done. So this is somewhat of a theoretical question I suppose!
My other tests are old so I know things could well look different now but what would be the best course of action if my serum B12 comes back comfortably in range?
Sept 17: 497 (200-960)
June 19: 250 (300-569)
Nov 19: 413 (200-960)
Active B12
June 19: 51.7 (37.5-188)
June 20: 45 (37.5-188)
I've not been supplementing and my diet is no different yet so I imagine it's about the same.
Will a b-complex supplement be enough to raise the level significantly?
So,yYou can have a decent level of Total B12 but a low level of Active B12.
As your Active B12 test from June is so low, then I think you should use this result to push your GP for testing for B12 deficiency and Pernicious Anaemia. Check for signs of B12 deficiency - link given in reply to a previous thread of yours, plus you've had lots of information and links from the PA forum. If you have signs, list them to show your GP as evidence that further testing is needed.
Will a b-complex supplement be enough to raise the level significantly?
Not if it's Pernicious Anaemia. You'll need regular B12 injections.
Yes, lots of great advice from lots of knowledgeable people on here and PAS community.
My serum B12 has come back as 403 (200-960) but I'm concerned about the low active B12 from my last round of tests. I'm not sure if I have any symptoms because they're quite similar to thyroid symptoms but I will ask GP for further tests to try and rule out PA if I can.
Yes, in my - very limited - understanding PA is hard to diagnose. I don't feel dreadful at the moment which leads me to think I don't have PA but I'd like to increase my active B12.
I guess I just try supplementing and retesting in a couple of months to see if it works. 🤔
If you are supplementing then testing is not beneficial as your results will be skewed !
I would supplement B12 lozenges that go under the tongue - Jarrow 5000mcg then go onto 1000mcg pot. Amazon. Also take the B Complex to keep all the B's in balance.
Not currently supplementing! I was waiting until after I'd had bloods done (which was yesterday) result of serum B12 came back roughly mid range so GP won't be proactive on that result.
Just checked. It's only 26% through the range.
If I supplement going forward how will I know if I've improved active B12? By stopping the supplements in advance on the tests?
Thank you for the recommendation. Much appreciated. Google is a minefield!!
You would have to stop for many weeks to establish a baselevel. If you have lots of B12 symptoms I would think it's not an option.
When you get your results - around 20% of the result is the available amount that can be transferred to the cells. See if that is reflected in your last Active test. Your B12 can fluctuate.
Do you have any gut issues ? Good stomach acid levels are needed.
Due to gut surgery I am without a Terminal Ileum where B12 is metabolised - I self-inject weekly.
A year ago I had results of 403 and 45 which is 11%.
In June I had results of 250 and 51.7 which is 20% so I guess it's close enough. I'm just concerned that my overall levels are lowish.
No symptoms that can't be attributed to thyroid, occasional bloating which I think is gluten related it's a job to know what symptoms are from which deficiency! 😂
Overall aim is optimise vitamins for my levo to work properly... But I keep ending up down rabbit holes of information!
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