Hi all,
My new GI doctor tested my B12 levels, and they are high. Has anyone else had this issue? Do I need to be worried? I read that over supplementation of B12 is not an issue, but high levels in the blood can signal liver issues, cancers, etc. I supplement with B12.
Thanks,
Brian
High B12 levels
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Gabes-Apg
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Brian
what type of B12 are you supplementing with?
The B12 blood test is checking the levels of 'inactive b12' - if these levels are high, it means that your body is not processing the inactive B12 into active B12 (this is done via the methylation cycle) we encourage people to supplement with active B12 to avoid this issue
some links to previous discussions about high B12 results (i used the search function) and info about methylation cycle
http://www.perskyfarms.com/phpBB2/viewt ... hlight=b12
http://www.perskyfarms.com/phpBB2/viewt ... hlight=b12
Methylation info
http://www.perskyfarms.com/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=78
what type of B12 are you supplementing with?
The B12 blood test is checking the levels of 'inactive b12' - if these levels are high, it means that your body is not processing the inactive B12 into active B12 (this is done via the methylation cycle) we encourage people to supplement with active B12 to avoid this issue
some links to previous discussions about high B12 results (i used the search function) and info about methylation cycle
http://www.perskyfarms.com/phpBB2/viewt ... hlight=b12
http://www.perskyfarms.com/phpBB2/viewt ... hlight=b12
Methylation info
http://www.perskyfarms.com/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=78
Gabes Ryan
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
Brian,
Yes, as Gabes pointed out, many of us have high B-12 test levels because of methylation issues. The so-called "normal" range works OK for "normal" people. But if we allow our B-12 levels to decline to mid-range (of "normal" levels), we tend to show B-12 deficiency symptoms. So most of us take methylcobalamin (the active form of B-12) rather than cyanocobalamin (the inactive form).
The last time my B-12 level was checked it was at or above the "normal" upper limit. I even asked my doc if that was something to be concerned about (mostly to see if we were on the same page), but he just shook his head to indicate it wasn't.
Tex
Yes, as Gabes pointed out, many of us have high B-12 test levels because of methylation issues. The so-called "normal" range works OK for "normal" people. But if we allow our B-12 levels to decline to mid-range (of "normal" levels), we tend to show B-12 deficiency symptoms. So most of us take methylcobalamin (the active form of B-12) rather than cyanocobalamin (the inactive form).
The last time my B-12 level was checked it was at or above the "normal" upper limit. I even asked my doc if that was something to be concerned about (mostly to see if we were on the same page), but he just shook his head to indicate it wasn't.
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.
Thanks for your responses, text and to Gabes. This all makes sense to me thank you for sharing. I do use methylcobalamin, so I think I am all set there. What I take from your comments is that so long as I am taking the correct form of the B vitamins, and an appropriate amount, the fact that my B 12 levels are high is of no concern. I appreciate the insight, as always.
Brian,
Yes, as you mentioned, there are certain medical conditions that can cause elevated levels of B-12, such as liver disease, kidney failure, and certain myeloproliferative disorders such as myelocytic leukemia and polycthemia vera (which causes an overgrowth of red blood cells).
But if your liver enzymes are normal, and your EGFR is normal, and your CBC results are normal, then an elevated B-12 test result should not be a cause for concern.
Tex
Yes, as you mentioned, there are certain medical conditions that can cause elevated levels of B-12, such as liver disease, kidney failure, and certain myeloproliferative disorders such as myelocytic leukemia and polycthemia vera (which causes an overgrowth of red blood cells).
But if your liver enzymes are normal, and your EGFR is normal, and your CBC results are normal, then an elevated B-12 test result should not be a cause for concern.
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.