[possum220]

So I got my B12 level tested cos I ran across some info about Metformin (Diabetes Medication) that can cause your B12 levels to drop.

The test came back with a level of 136. Is that too low?

[Raindropvampire]

Your doctor may also order a Vitamin B12 test if you have certain nervous system symptoms. Low levels of B12 can cause numbness or tingling in the arms and legs, weakness, and loss of balance.

Other conditions under which the test may be done:

Delirium
Dementia
Dementia due to metabolic causes
Normal Results
Normal values are 200 - 900 pg/mL (picograms per milliliter).

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about what your specific test results mean.

The examples above show the common measurements for results for these tests. Some laboratories use different measurements or may test different specimens.

What Abnormal Results Mean
Values of less than 200 pg/mL are a sign of a vitamin B12 deficiency. People with this deficiency are likely to have or develop symptoms. Older adults with vitamin B12 levels between 200 and 500 pg/mL may also have symptoms.

that info came from here http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/e...cle/003705.htm

[possum220]

Thanks Raindropvampire. I really appreciate the fact you took the time to respond to me. I have all of the symptoms listed at the start of your post... Low levels of B12 can cause numbness or tingling in the arms and legs, weakness, and loss of balance. I nearly fell off my back steps a couple of weeks ago which could have been nasty. I am also being bitten harder by depression than normal.

My P'doc was the one who ordered the test. I called my GP's office today. He is on holidays (Summer time here) for a few weeks so I have a appointment in Feb. I thought because I hadn't heard from him that my level wasn't an issue, now I know that he just doesn't know.

I checked the site that you listed. Now I wonder what the cause is? Is is the Metformin or something else? :/ ? Oy Vey.....

[Yoda]

Unless you have some problems with absorption in your GI tract from alcoholism or something you should be able to deal with it by simply taking B supplements. The good thing is that B vitamins are not stored in fat so you can't overdose on it. You will simply excrete what you don't need in urine. I'm glad you found out about your low level so you can treat it.

[possum220]

Thanks Yoda.

I dont have a problem with alcohol, hardly ever touch the stuff, but I do have IBS and therefore a very limited diet, but my B12 was fine when I last had it tested. When I do get in to see my GP I will see if he knows what level it was last time. It would be interesting to see what the difference is.

The internet can be a dangerous tool when it comes to our health. It is very easy to add 1 + 1 and get 5. Some site said that when we take Vit B12 in a tablet form, only 1 percent is absorbed. Who knows.

Maybe it's all just nothing. Why is it we get sick on the weekends or when our docs are away?

Least the appointment is made.

[Fresia]

That is true about the oral B12 tablets and poor absorption, let alone if you have any conditions that might interfere with absorption too. My doc told me about the sublingual B12 tablets that absorb/dissolve under the tongue or in the cheek to make the most of getting the B12; these are available at most health food stores.

[Inedible]

Stomach acid helps to absorb B12 so anything to reduce stomach acid - like Tums, or maybe a calcium supplement - could interfere.

[possum220]

Thanks Freesia and Inedible. Good things to know. I am taking Pariet to reduce chronic reflux. I'd rather suck something than have an injection.
My appointment with my GP is not until early Feb. I am going a little nutty about this in the mean time.

But seeing as there is nothing I can do.... (And dont want to muck up any base lines tests) i should just relax. Given that I keep falling asleep it shouldn't be hard to relax.

[happy2day]

Research Pernicious Anemia, it can cause many physical and neurological problems. It's us caused by B12 deficiency due to a break down in the balance of chemical in you stomach. B12 shots and them supplements are the recommended treatment.

[possum220]

Thanks for that Happy. I looked it up and I just cant take it in. Nobody says at what point this pa thing starts. I know I'm as tired and cranky as all get out. Still waiting to see my doc at the end of next week.

It could be a result of so many things.

[possum220]

Just to update........ I had another B12 test and it was 40 cc higher than the last. My doctor said that B12 can fluctuate. He changed my diabetic medication for other reasons. My B12 is now 190cc. Maybe I will try some vitamin supplements.

Thanks for all the input.

hi possum, i am not a fan of injections either but my b12 shots didnt hurt at all. maybe you can give it a try once. i needed to have different shots for various deficiencies and the b12 ones were the least painful ones take care

[possum220]

My doctor didn't seem to think that I needed to do anything. He glossed right over it. I wouldn't have said no to an injection, but it wasn't on offer. He is quite good about having medical things looked into. Me thinks vitamins or minerals doesn't fit into his domain.

Actually mental illness doesn't fit into his domain either.

i understand..its not exactly easy finding a competent doctor. mine told me that with my low b12 levels it wouldnt be wise to take supplements because they dont absorb as well as injections and consequently it takes much longer for the b12 levels to go up. so what i did was a number of shots for a few months followed by supplements..are you looking for a second opinion? i switched doctors a lot..cant say i found my ideal one yet ) wish you all the best!!

Thanks for this thread possum, I'm so tired snd I take 2 metformin and2glyburide morning and night. I never knew it can deplete b12 and iron.