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Just got blood work back. Showed I was low in B1 at a 9 (9-44) and B2 at a 12 (6.2-40) and B5 less than 200 (200-1200), BUT my B12 was at 1383!! (243-894). Now I understand B vitamins for MC people are always on the low side and I am going to rectify that asap, but what is up with my B12? How the heck could I be that high? Possible lab typo? And any suggestions for a good super B complex? Do they come in powder form? Thanks guys!
Mandy
How can I be so low in B vitamins but high in B-12??
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Mandy,
That might be a lab error. It's very unusual for test results to be that high, and there aren't very many potential causes. Didn't your doctor suggest a retest, or additional testing? If it's accurate, a high B-12 level can indicate a liver issue, or a bone marrow disorder.
He or she should have followed up on that B-12 result.
Tex
That might be a lab error. It's very unusual for test results to be that high, and there aren't very many potential causes. Didn't your doctor suggest a retest, or additional testing? If it's accurate, a high B-12 level can indicate a liver issue, or a bone marrow disorder.
He or she should have followed up on that B-12 result.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Tex, I looked up my liver enzymes on the same test and they showed my alkaline phosphatase at 80 (41-151) and ALT at 19 (2-46) and AST at 16 (10-41). I ran to look at my vitamins again, ones that I quit to see if it helped my stomach and I noticed on my Adapten-All (taken for adrenal support) supplement facts that 2 capsules had 200 mcg of Vit B12 or 3,333% of the recommended daily value. Sounds like an excessive amount. Could that have raised my levels that high?
Mandy
Mandy
It shouldn't, if your system is working properly. That's not a high dose. I take 10 times that amount every day, (2 mg), and I've done that for over 2 years now - I'm taking it to treat peripheral neuropathy, (caused by gluten). In fact, my doctor also takes the same supplement that I take, (it's called Metanx), except that he takes it to boost memory and cognizance, (he's getting up in age). My B-12 level was 903, the last time it was checked, (last year), based on a normal range of 180 to 914 pg/mL.
When you're taking a B-12 supplement, you should also be taking enough folic acid, to ensure that the body can utilize the B-12. If folic acid is insufficient, I'm not sure if the body will just not absorb B-12, or if it will absorb it, but not be able to utilize it. If the latter is true, that could explain a possible buildup, but there's not much information available on issues such as this.
Tex
When you're taking a B-12 supplement, you should also be taking enough folic acid, to ensure that the body can utilize the B-12. If folic acid is insufficient, I'm not sure if the body will just not absorb B-12, or if it will absorb it, but not be able to utilize it. If the latter is true, that could explain a possible buildup, but there's not much information available on issues such as this.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Tex, it seems like I was not taking any folic acid (B9 right?) with the B12. I also discovered another vitamin I was taking that had more B12 too. I've stopped taking the vitamins with B12. Is there a way to get rid of the excess B12? Does it just stay high in my system or does my body used the extra bit by bit? Should I be taking folic acid now to help the extra B12 in my system?
Mandy
Mandy
Mandy,
Yes, folic acid is B-9. The Metanix that I take contains megadoses of B-12, B-9 and B-6. It might be worth a try to take some additional folate, because that might allow your body to better utilize the B-12, (if that happens to be the problem). I wouldn't go overboard - maybe 400 to 800 mcg, max, per day, for a while. The liver can store B-12 for years, so you certainly don't need to take any B-12 for a long time. Assuming that homeostasis is intact, otherwise, (everything is working properly), your body will slowly use up the extra B-12 according to it's needs.
You're not a diabetic, are you? I don't mean to be nosy, and I really need to know - I only mention it because that could be a factor in the B-12 issue.
Tex
Yes, folic acid is B-9. The Metanix that I take contains megadoses of B-12, B-9 and B-6. It might be worth a try to take some additional folate, because that might allow your body to better utilize the B-12, (if that happens to be the problem). I wouldn't go overboard - maybe 400 to 800 mcg, max, per day, for a while. The liver can store B-12 for years, so you certainly don't need to take any B-12 for a long time. Assuming that homeostasis is intact, otherwise, (everything is working properly), your body will slowly use up the extra B-12 according to it's needs.
You're not a diabetic, are you? I don't mean to be nosy, and I really need to know - I only mention it because that could be a factor in the B-12 issue.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
No, I'm not diabetic. My glucose is always borderline normal, and the various doctors I have seen (good and bad) have never mentioned it. My last blood test, the comprehensive metabolic panel for glucose was a 95 (65-99) for normal reference range (and I didn't even fast for that, cause I ate a pear just before taking it). I did have gestational diabeties 21 years ago with my last child but I carefully controlled that. What is the difference between folic acid (B9) and folate?
Mandy
Mandy
Mandy wrote:What is the difference between folic acid (B9) and folate?
Well, I have to confess that I use the terms interchangeably, which is technically incorrect.
Actually, folate occurs naturally in foods, and folic acid is a synthetic form, so to be accurate, I should have recommended either taking folic acid, or eating foods high in folate.Sorry about that.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.