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vitamin b12 deficiency

I recently had a blood test which revealed an extremely low vitamin B12 level. Other things including iron was in the normal range, but my folate levels were very high. My doctor tested for pernicious anemia which it seems I don't have. I have started a course of 3 vitamin B12 injections. I have done some research and know about the relationship of folate and vitamin B12. My question is that I don't understand why I am deficient in vitamin B12 as my diet contains adequate amounts of the vitamin. I consume meat, dairy and eggs daily and would exceed the RDI for vitamin B12. What's going on? Other information - I'm not taking any forms of medications. I take an oral multi-vitamin daily. I eat nutritiously, but I am overweight. I'm generally healthy, despite usually being tired - which I just thought was due to being a busy working girl. I am married and thinking about starting a family in the next 12 months.  
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Avatar universal
A related discussion, How much B-12? was started.
Helpful - 0
233759 tn?1210476796
sandy9180,

I am a nurse who has been treated for B 12 deficiency for almost 4 years. I take sub q injections of cyancobalamin monthly. You can give your own injections , with a little instruction, they are much like insulin shots,

I have no idea how long my B 12 was low because I had another autoimmune disease (Graves) going on at the same time & many of the symptoms were the same. I continue to have residual symptoms such as peripheral neuropathy & fatigue.  Although I do feel much better than when it was untreated.

I guess I don't understand the answer the dietitian gave about injections not doing any good if you have Pernicious Anemia. That statement is very misleading.

It's important to know that no matter what the cause of the low B 12, that you need continue medical supervision & you will be on life long replacement.  If it is caused by a malabsorption problem (which it usually is if not a vegeteran) then injections are the treatment of choice. That way it bypasses any problems with the digestive system.

Since the body stores 3 to 5 years worth of B12 and several months’ supply of folate in the liver, deficiencies and their associated symptoms can take months to years to manifest in adults.

High folate:

If people with vitamin B12 deficiency take very high doses of folate or have high folate, doctors may be delayed in recognizing the nerve damage due to vitamin B12 deficiency. Because the diagnosis is delayed, nerve damage may be more severe and more difficult to treat.


Here's some good info:

http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec12/ch154/ch154h.html

http://www.utopiatradingpost.com/VitaminB12.html

God Bless & Merry Christmas,TJ
Helpful - 0
267079 tn?1195142970
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I suggest you get retested for B12 levels and pernicious anemia. There is a factor in our stomach that we need for Vitamin B12 to work. If that is not present, pernicious anemia, then vitamin B12 shots or supplements are do not help. That is why it is so important MDs find out the root cause of an anemia before treatment.
Helpful - 0

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