b12 deficient?? lab value of 195

[future-rn]

I had a bunch of labs done because I was always feeling tired, weak, fatigued, run down, etc. The doctor checked my thyroid, iron, female hormones, cbc.  He said everything was fine.  but when I got a copy of my labs my B12 was 195 and low.  I have also been tested with EMG and NCV's because of numbness and tingling in my left arm and these showed C6 radiculopathy and MRI showed three small disc bulges in my neck.  I am also having severe cramps in my legs and feet especially in the left calf and also numbness and tingling in my left foot.  I had a doppler done to rule out DVT in my left leg and it was negative.  My doctor did not say anything about my B12 being low.  The only reason I know is because I got copies of my labs.  Can low B12 be causing my symptoms?  Any advice would be greatly appreciated.  

[future-rn]

forgot to say i have had an EGD and colonoscopy and I was diagnosed with adenomatous polyps which they removed and mild gastritis but doc said the upper portion of my small intestine looked fine and did not see any findings of celiac disease, also negative for H. pylori

[Annie62]

I think a B12 of 195 would require treatment.  My B12 was about 400 (low-normal range) and my gastroenterologist still wanted me to start on supplemental B12 (I only take it in pill form and it has since gone way up--700s when last tested).  I decided the shot wasn't necessary for me because I figured my low B12 was due to a recent change in my diet (eating more vegan), but you need to find out why yours is so low.  You might require B12 shots.  If you are also vegetarian, especially vegan and not eating animal products, that could explain why yours is low, but you might have something going on with your stomach like pernicous anemia or just not absorbing the B12 well enough due to chronic PPI use (AcipHex, Prilosec, etc.).  

Yes, low B12 can cause weakness and fatigue as well as numbness and tingling, although I don't think it would cause numbess/tingling on one side only (you mentioned left-sided numbness and tingling in left your foot)-although I am not positive about this.  That is something you should ask your doctor about--whether your neck MRI also explains your left foot numbness/tingling as well as your left arm paresthesias.  You could have more than one thing going on.

[Bella0906]

Your B12 level is very low and can be causing many of your symptoms.

If you are going to take a supplement make sure it is methyl b12 and a sublingual tablet (under the tongue).  If you have any kind of malabsorption issues swallowing a tablet will not help. The methyl form of b12 is the best absorbed by the body.

[lizziecee]

I have been having B12 shots at my local Dr's surgery for some 12 yrs or more, due to inability to absorb B12 from either food or oral tablets. I have Crohn's and as the terminal ileum is inflamed and has adhesions, it is unable to absorb B12. The terminal ileum is the only place in the body where B12 is metabolised.    I would just beware of self medicating, as my last B12 test, 2 weeks ago, showed a level of 1333, and the range in the UK is 175-900. Your B12 is low, but not out of range. It does however suggest you need to have the underlying cause further evaluated. My doctor has suspended my bi-monthly shots until the level comes within normal range.

Liz.