Vitamin B injection

[Kriticat]

Hi there, my husband has been taking a b complex and a b12 supplement but hus b12 levels are still low so a doc prescribed a shot that includes B1, B6 and B12. Does that mean he can skip the pills? What about the other Bs, it doesn't seem very balanced? BTW, he doesn't have thyroid issues, but he didn't ask his doc and I know that people on here have a lot of knowledge and experience, so thought I would check here first. Thanks

[helvella Administrator]

You do need to be cautious about an excess of B6 - and what form of B6.

helvella - Vitamers of Vitamin B6

Some time ago, I mentioned that the form in which we take vitamin B6 is important. I think I linked to this paper below.

Last updated 20/07/2024[

helvella.blogspot.com/p/hel...

And you might do better on Pernicious Anaemia Society forum. If he has been taking B12 but levels still low, that is commonly one of the first indicators of Pernicious Anaemia.

healthunlocked.com/pasoc

[Kriticat in reply to helvella]

Thanks, no sign of PA in his tests, he's been diagnosed with a rare form of dementia (FTD) and has also been drinking heavily in recent years... hence the B jabs... whether that is a cause or a symptom is unknown. Just checked the ingredients and not only has he been injected with 100mg pyridoxine form of B6, but also the B12 is cyanocobalamin. I really hope the docs know what they are doing... perhaps neurologists are as on the ball as endocrinologists. I'll stop with the supplements for now at least.

[helvella Administrator in reply to Kriticat]

That's tough for you.

The UK is one of the few countries that more or less universally uses hydroxocobalamin for B12 injections.

Remember that PA testing is very poor. The standard test these days (in the UK) is Intrinsic Factor antibodies - but you can have multiple negative results (and symptoms) and then get a positive. One positive test should be regarded as proof of PA and repeat testing is not needed.

B6 seems to be the problem B vitamin. There seems to be little likelihood of overdosing with any of the others.

Has his folate been tested?

[Kriticat in reply to helvella]

It really is! Thank goodness (and especially this forum) I'm on top of my thyroid or I really don't think I would be coping. I thought he had folate tested but just looked back and can't find a result, I'll make sure it is next week.

I'm in Greece and we can order any tests, as long as we pay... what would you say is the gold standard test for PA? He's doing more tests next week so I can add it to the list.

[helvella Administrator in reply to Kriticat]

There is no good PA test. A common topic on the PAS forum.

Endoscopy which shows damage is usually accepted. But the old Schilling test is no longer possible.

Not sure if you can access the link below from outwith the UK? Let me know.

Vitamin B12 deficiency in over 16s: diagnosis and management

NICE guideline [NG239] Published: 06 March 2024

nice.org.uk/guidance/ng239