Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Low B12 and iron and CFS

I've just had a blood test and have low B12 and folate. I have had low iron for years (although it is just within the 'normal' range). Could these cause my CFS? (I am housebound and in a wheelchair) What causes the low iron and B12? What can be done?
4 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
HI, I've just found out that actually my B12 is too high...do you know what the side effects are? It's actually my iron that is too low.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi there.  I was having problems at 220.  It is very important to test your b12 levels when you supplement, because too much has side effects effects as well.  Many people say that it doesn't, but it does.  And, coming off the shots & the high b12 was difficult.  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Very interesting!  I've had fibro for 7 years and have had consistantly iron and B-12 levels that have been on the very low edge of normal.  My doctor told me that it was nothing, but within two weeks after I started adding iron supplement and massive doses of B complex supplements I felt much better and the constant back of the neck pain eased up considerably.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi there.  Yes, it can cause CFS or be the cause of a misdiagnosis.  I'm not sure about the low iron, but b12 can be caused by malabsorption (mine was caused by candida overgrowth) issues or by the fact that you don't eat enough meat.  I went with injections.  It depends on where your levels are.  If you're really low and having pins & needles, numbness, weak legs, disorientation, etc., then I think you need shots.  Many of the symptoms mimic MS.   b12 def can cause permanent nerve damage.   And, I would get another b12 test to see if you're fluctuating & retest while being treated.   Some drs will only give b12 shots every few weeks.  That didn't work for me. I would feel better and then crash.  I had to load with injections to get my levels up.  
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Fibromyalgia Community

Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.