Vitamin B12 Deficiency Explained - A-Z of the NHS - Dr Gill
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- čas přidán 6. 06. 2024
- Understanding Vitamin B12 Deficiency is one of those conditions that people are aware of or might have heard of - especially after Downton Abbey did a story on pernicious anaemia. But many people, even those who receive treatment have not often had anyone help them understands Vitamin B12 Deficiency
B12 deficiency is an essential vitamin, meaning that we must consume it in the diet. As such, vitamin B12 deficiency can be due to failure to absorb, or failure to consume and here we take a look at the overall B2 topic
#DrGill #VitaminB12 #B12deficiency
You can now consult via video or in person with Dr Gill at Dr Finlay’s Private Practice - www.drfinlays.co.uk/services/...
00:00 - Introduction to B12
01:17 - Causes of B12 Deficiency: Dietary, Absorption, and Pernicious Anemia
02:01 - Role of B12 in Health: Heart, Mind, and Nerve Functions
02:33 - Diagnosis and Symptoms of B12 Deficiency
03:40 - Managing B12 Deficiency in Crohn's Disease
04:39 - Understanding Vitamins
05:27 - Treating B12 Deficiency: Injection Therapy and Dietary Adjustments
07:21 - Seeking Reliable Information on B12 Deficiency
08:12 - Avoiding Dr. Google for Medical Advice
08:38 - B12 and Folate Deficiency
09:12 - Final Thoughts
![B12 Deficiency and Neurological Disease [Explained by Neurologist]](/img/n.gif)
I spent 2 years feeling tired and irritable for no obvious reason. The day my doctor discovered a simple vitamin supplement was all that was needed literally changed my life. Within a week I felt 10 years younger and much happier.
Those 2 words describe me!!! Praying vit b12 helps me
I am suffering from b12 defeciency since 8 months now...my b12 level was 100 ng/ last month...still feeling depressed and nervousness all the time..
I don't know if this implies to me, but i have been depressed for two years. Now i'm taking b12 i feel more at ease and can feel happy again.
I thought i could have a deficiency now i'm taking a cocktail of suppliments and didn't feel any progress until i stumbled upon b12. The effect was felt the moment i upped my dose.
Brother plz tell me which suplements did you take to cure b12 deficency
@@kangsaab6456 my doctor told me basically any b12 would be fine, I've been on an over the counter b12 ever since and feeling better most of the time. Other than that I take just for men multivitamins. He told me with the oral vitamins 90 percent gets wasted through your digestive system without ever giving you the benefits, so if that's the case it only takes a small amount of it to make a huge difference.
As for brand, I just buy whatever b12 is on sale at the pharmacy each month.
I had iron, b12 and folate deficiency in my 2nd year of uni, I remember my mood changing, I used to get so angry/irritated, as it got worse it affected my legs, I couldn't stand or walk for more than 30 mins without feeling like I was about to faint. I also experienced tight chest/palpitations and I needed to sleep every afternoon because I was so exhausted. My memory and concentration was so bad I have no idea how I passed my exams that semester. The ironic thing is I actually fell asleep during the B12 lecture that semester because I was ill so I missed out on realising I had B12 deficiency.
Gosh! :-o I'm sorry that happened to you, but I'm glad you're better now. :-)
Red
What did you do to get better??? I’m experiencing the same things you described I felt like “wow someone gets it “ when you wrote you feel like fainting after only standing 30 mins
I been feeling like that soooo much I feel my vison is strange too and other things
My b12 was 58
No reason to why I’m not vegan
How long did it take you to recover? I’m on b12 once a month and take folic acid 1mg
@@tinyty6570 I don't know how low my B12 was, I was only prescribed folic acid and b12 for a month, and I got better. I'm surprised you don't get b12 injections since yours is that low!!!
@@princessmaiya1 I do get them but don’t feel better :(
Always good to know you're here and alive doc! Your videos are very informative and I learn more and more as you post.
Thanks Jordan. Anything you think we could add to the A-Z series to improve it?
@@DrJamesGill I know sublingual works if you have absorption problems but what about in a multivitamin? Does that still absorb or not?
My B12 blood test was 147 however my GP told I was within healthy levels. I had all the symptoms. I now self inject at home and feel 100x better. Patient heal thy self . 😊
I am 132ng/l and told normal. I am really struggling atm. Just difficult sources my own b12 injections.
B12 can show up as normal in many patients’ blood tests even when they are actually low. So maybe you can get it tested again with another GP with your concern just to be safe!
-just 2 cents from a med student
Very informative, as always! What might be a good idea is an FAQ bit, especially if you're dealing with a topic that has a lot of misconceptions or can generate confusion. Before you film, people could send in their questions about whatever topic is planned and you two could pick a few and answer them. I think it would be really helpful, and a good opportunity to do some medical myth-busting :)
As somebody who has issue with B12!
It's crazy how it can really affect the body. I had to have injections in order to help with it. I sometimes still struggle with tiredness and depression. I still take B12 vitamins which do help but at times I still struggle with it. The doctors have been absolutely amazing in helping me understand this issue and sorting out B12!
I'm grateful for you making this video because alot of people don't understand when I explain this issue to them.
As I mentioned, it’s easy to tell when my sister is “due her shot”
@@DrJamesGill Your Sister is very lucky that she is able to have B12 shots when she needs them & the fact that you realise there are patients that need them more frequently that others. Absorption is only one of ''many'' reasons why patients need injections. Yet since Covid hit us, those injections have been stopped for a very high %. They are all being prescribed tablets, seems Covid has miraculously enabled absorption. Can you explain why ?
It was actually a relatively recent formulation that showed high dose oral B12 resulted in the same bioavailability as the injection - FOR PATIENTS THAT DONT HAVE IMPAIRED ABSORPTION
Many patients who have been able to take the oral have found it better than the normal loading dose of three injections a week for two weeks.
Oral B12 doesn’t really work for my sister. I will tell her to take it however as a 1% absorption benefit is STILL better than a 0% absorption
This can only be said as no appreciable side effects. .
@@DrJamesGill If injections are frequent enough is there any reason to take tablets at all. ? Also does she take Foilic acid or Methyl folate daily ?
one important factor in B12 deficiency that wasn't mentioned was the long term use of Proton Pump Inhibitors
I’ve been taking B12 as I’ve been trying to conceive! Awesome info, thanks!
5o yrs ago I had my first baby nothing was known much about b12 never heard of it but I was put on a horrible blood transfusion after the birth that lasted for 8 hrs it hurt 5o yrs on too long a story having injections every 3 months damage is done tinkling ln feet etc etc
Thanks for this. I was recently diagnosed with PA after my latest pregnancy and have been receiving monthly injections of B12 and I agree, my husband can definitely tell when I’m due for my next one ha, it’s amazing how quickly the effects can set in to make you feel relatively better.
Due them at home twice a week
In my opinion, the biggest obstacles and dangers around this are that if you have Pernicious Anemia, Serum B12 will be falsely elevated and so your levels may appear normal even though they aren't. Which is why it's important to test Homocysteine and Methylmalonic Acid alongside it. Another thing is doctors often only test once, and feel comfortable if it's 250ish because it's not flagged in the system. But really they should be retesting at certain intervals, because even if you're above the reference range the level shouldn't be steadily dropping. And if it is steadily dropping it's not going to just stop dropping without intervention usually. I have also run into people who are found to have B12 deficiency but their doctors don't care about identifying the root cause. Which is just wild to me. If you have Pernicious Anemia you need to be aware of it, and you just need to test for Intrinsic Factor Antibodies and Parietal cell Antibodies it's not like it's difficult. Having Pernicious Anemia puts you at a much higher risk of Stomach Cancer, so doctors really need to be sure where the B12 deficiency is coming from imo because it goes beyond just treating the B12 when dealing with PA
Just got diagnosed as deficient in b12 this morning despite being in the ‘normal’ range but with increased MCV. So glad I read up on it and asked for bloods! Thanks for the fab video, learning lots :)
Ohhh, I’ve had most B12 Deficiency symptoms for months now. First thing checked was B12 deficiency, was ruled out as results fell into ‘normal range’. Two more round of tests for other things and a referral to Rhuematology later and no further forward. Have a doc appointment on Thursday. Really going to stress this be checked more thoroughly. Xx
I’m sorry to hear that you are having difficulties.
It might be worth while clarifying that discrepancy ie being deficient, yet “normal”
The reason why I say that, is if your b12 is normal, then it may not be the cause of the raised MCV, there are other causes than merely a b12 deficiency - hypothyroidism for an example
Hello Dr, James 😊, thanks so much for your comment, I really appreciate it. So I got B12 tablets from dr after this and felt so much better, and the following blood test showed my MCV had gone back to normal (yay!). The issue I’m having now is each time I stop it , after months I then start feeling it again and it shows my b12 drops back down to the old lower level again. I haven’t got pernicious anaemia and so it’s a mystery! So supplementing again. Wonder if it’s the PPI I take. Anyways, it’s going to be monitored long term so I avoid feeling ill again. That’s really useful to know that MCV can be raised for other issues. I will keep that in mind 😊
Wow that came out long 🤣 I do like words ha ha !
@@becky3541it’s probably due to malabsorption (maybe because of gastritis due to H.pylori infections or something else which you’re trying to treat with PPI) , leading to decreased absorption into the blood. Hope this can easily be investigated and treated, best wishes!
Just trying to understand, not medical advice! Just a med student and found your comment interesting.
Thank you for good advice ⭐👍
I've watch your interview in RT... Thank you for sharing much information..
Very nice video....very helpful! Thanks!
You're welcome!
I also have Crohn's and my mum recently suggested I ask about B12 on my next hospital visit. Thanks for mentioning this.
Your GP would be better placed for that conversation. We could do the bloods within a few days, and have you started on treatment (if needed) within a day or two of the results coming in 😊
@@DrJamesGill Thank you so much for your advice and quick reply. I will try and book a telephone consultation tomorrow.
👍 call first thing in the morning. Telephone consultation,, print the blood form. Done. Simples.
@@DrJamesGill I look forward to your video on Crohn's.
That gave me a hint on what might be wrong with me. Gotta ask someone more into the topic though.
What kind of supplements do you recommend?
Hmmm it's such a shame no UK doctors know enough about this! I've been given PPIs for years for IBS, and now 4 years of suffering with severe fatigue.... leading to nerve problems, severe depression, unable to eat, acid reflux, pins and needles, balance problems, memory loss ..... doctors don't understand that the level in your blood are not what is actually being used and absorbed! They simply don't take the whole picture, and rely on a false blood result, nor do enough doctors know about the cofactors, like folate, magnesium, b Vitamins.
I've most likely got permanent damage now, after being told I had M.E, and sent away to research it for myself.
Spread the word, check the levels that are actually being used, save lives!
We do know that PPI’s are associate the b12 deficiency as you need the acid to aid absorption - very much like iron
However I’d suggest that comment are blood levels is incorrect. Unless you are on b12 injections the b12 level is the blood IS showing absorption
Similarly things like folate are to be approached with caution.
If b12 levels are low - AND folate is low. Regardless of the cause, we must re place the b12 first, as replacing the folate can use the remaining b12 abs result in serious neurological problems
This is very helpful. Thks.
Thank you Dr Gill for your presentations. They make me recall lessons from my studies which i might start forgetting due to non-usage since i am dealing heavily with covid cases nowadays.
would you be interested at all in covering the topic of vitamins as a whole? There's a whole host out there and I don't know what I need/how to identify deficiency
As long as you have a good, well balanced diet. The answer should be “no vitamin supplements”
It’s certainly one I want to address
@@DrJamesGill lots of people have absorption problems. What about sublingual b12?
At 7:17 in the video, Dr Andrew Stein says you can increase b12 by eating nuts.
Could you clarify this, as most sources I have read say quite the opposite.
Thank you so much Dr for the information. What are the blood test levels of low b12 deficiency.
can't wait
Same
When testing for B12 deficiency what do you test for- inactive levels as well as the active level? As far as I know the nhs only tests the B12 active levels when they should test for the B12 inactive levels which paints a better picture.
Most interesting video Dr Gill. I’m due to start B12 injections, post gastrectomy, and I couldn’t find much information about the deficiency so thank you for posting this.
Glad it was helpful! I’m sure you’ll feel a new person when you get the Jane thins, please drop back and say how you are doing after 😊
@@DrJamesGill I read sublingual works too and is cheaper. I’m still confused if tablets can still help...I read they can and also they can’t.
I am glad I came across this video, I have recently found out that I have a vitamin d and a b12 deficiency
Boy you guys are right I’m 66 and just fine out I need vitamin B 12 and I also get shots I been feeling weak and my eyes are seeing double and my nerves was shaking.. a friend told me to go to the health food Store and buy the iron plus herbs it was a little costly but I bought it I take it twice a day and would you believe it helping and now I don’t eye double and I feel stronger and not shaking like I was feeling so glad I did I won’t stop taking it I feel much better thank you for sharing 😬
I've had plenty of non-descript symptoms for years (fatigue, IG issues, irritability, depressive episodes). I did get checked bc there is both thyroid disease and diabetes in my family but we found nothing.
Then I started getting numbness and tingling on my hands, and losing coordination and memory. Again this was attributed to stress or just normal aging. Then I started seeing double, even with one eye closed, and the ophthalmologist wasn't able to correct this issue or understand it.
Bam! Vit B12 deficiency. We are still testing to see why is it happening and how bad the neuropathy is but I am shocked at how much damage it can do and also quite frustrated we didn't catch it earlier.
Do you feel good now?, and since when did you prove a deficiency of B12?
@@spiderz-3613 We just found out last week, for some reason none of the doctors I saw the last few years for these symptoms ordered a b12 levels lab...I just started the treatment and for now no change. I will come and edit this comment a few weeks from now :)
@@AdelaAlonsoAlonso please let us know how you're doing? 🙂
How are you doing? Now
Can you do a video on IBS? I have IBS type 2 diabetes stable angina, and now I have started getting strange feelings in my torso arms head legs like a vibrating or a hypo but sugars are fine.
any concern with high b12 regularly on blood tests?
i have celiac disease (among other intestinal disorders) and have always wondered why they frequently look for b-12 when doing my blood tests, so this was very informative thank you!
Broadly a lot of oral vitamins just end up going down the loo. But some people with absorption issue MAY get a small benefit from taking oral b12 regularly 😊
Start getting B12 injections 2 a week. You will thank me. Your not able to orally take it because you don’t create the intrinsic factor enzyme. It’s required to protect to B12 while it goes through your stomach acids. Your doctor knows this. Find a new doctor.
I’m sorry, but that is factually incorrect on several levels
Pernicious anaemia has no direct relation to coeliac disease. They two can occur together, but they are uncommon
Coeliac disease will not affect intrinsic factor, intrinsic factor is produced by the stomach, and it’s loss in pernicious anaemia is due to autoimmune gastritis of the stomach
That is an importer distinction, as coeliac disease is an disease of the small intestine
I’m sorry to bring up another point, but intrinsic factor is not involved in “protection of b12”
There is a similar molecule released in the salvia that helps b12 pass through the stomach. Intrinsic factor released from the stomach will then aid the b12, which had been bound to the salivary haptocorin to get through the stomach, but absorbed in the small intestine
I almost died from my undiagnosed Pernicious Anemia it got to such a late stage I was actually having seizures, and have permanent nerve damage and damage to my heart. I had been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia so I had been attributing everything to Fibromyalgia and even though it's a diagnosis of EXCLUSION B12 deficiency wasn't ruled out so I went 2 more years of slowly declining until everything got very serious and I realized I wasn't dealing with Fibromyalgia at least not JUST Fibromyalgia. I was diagnosed at age 26 too so I think nobody was expecting it even though a Rheumatologist was the one who diagnosed my Fibromyalgia
how do you choose the dosage?
Thanks a lot
I have the MTHFR mutation. B12 and Folate are the vitamins used as epigenetic intervention. Ironically they are also necessary to rebuild RBC during and after chemotherapy. I had to inform my oncologist who actually refused to test or prescribe B12 injections even though I had megaloblastic anemia. 🤪🥴
Some people with the MTHFR Deficiency gene mutations may need methylcobalamine and not regular B12 and they may need methyl folate instead of folic acid.
I suffer from Allodynia/ fibromyalgia which has got worse recently - I am trying VitB12 is it likely to help?
Wow soo educative for a very long time I have had tingling sensation on my hands and feet and pain that goes from the foot to the inguinal area which is very painful after my 1st child birth i started forgetting and had depression I recently got addimited with back ache due to muscle spasms until recently I realised I had b12 deficiency
According to Dr Google I have 4 different types of cancer....gd to know but I usually have B12 and Iron deficiency, whenever I get my blood tested.
Hmmm…, You didn’t talk about Intrinsic Factor… A good source of info about B12 Deficiency is a book titled ‘Could it be B12? I learned a lot from it. I was severely B12 deficient due to being strict vegetarian for many years, more than 15. I had all of the symptoms. Extreme fatigue, painful ‘pins and needles’ feelings down my arms and hands, swollen, numb, cracked tongue, inability to concentrate or study, feeling confused, spaced out, ungrounded… It was hard to even climb a flight of stairs much less exercise! Long story short, I finally started with B12 injections that my doctor gave me a prescription for so that I could give them to myself, every day at first for a week, then 2X per week, then 1X per week for quite awhile. This helped tremendously! Now I keep my B12 levels up with a small sublingual Methycobabamin pill that I place under my tongue. It will be easily absorbed this way even if you have poor digestion or lack Intrinsic Factor.
Interesting video. I suffer with crohns and do get tired and irritable at times. Is B12 something that would be checked on my regular blood tests or is it tested separately? Thanks.
Why type of b12 is best? There's frw types. Am I correct?
How often do these b12 i junctions are required?
If b12 not absorbed via tablet form, will folate be? Just curious
Ps why arnt GP's following NICE guidelines?
This is fascinating. I came back from 12 years teaching in Cambodia having had a bunch of local illnesses including three doses of paludisme and several of amoebic dysentery. I had enlarged red cells and virtually no B12 in my system. The main side effect seemed to be fatigue. I took B12 and folic acid and that seemed to sort it out. Is it worth having regular blood tests to check B12 levels?
Not really, as long as you eat a diet rich in b12, and feel well in yourself that should be enough
Should check homocysteine levels. Because it is a toxin produced when the body is not getting enough B12.
I was hospitalised in January and diagnosed with PA. I tested positive for intrinsic factor antibodies. Four blood transfusions, daily folate and six shots of B12 later I felt briefly amazing. My GP won't treat me as a blood test 2 months after hospital showed OK B12 and folate (surprise, surprise, given my treatment). So, 9 months in, I can't speak properly, I can't stand up as my legs are too weak, I'm gasping for breath and I honestly think I'm dying.
GP still won't permit an appointment.
It’s so wrong how the nhs treat people like us with b12 deficiency, my gp now has to give me the injections as it was proved by one of the practice docs that my levels drop massively without them yet they will only give them me every 12 weeks so I am very symptomatic- absolutely no energy, headaches increase, constant pain in my joints, brain fog, bad coordination, can’t regulate my body temp I’m either sweating buckets or freezing 🙈😂 I have tried on numerous occasions to get it more frequently but get told I don’t need it. Nowhere near enough education on b12 or pernicious anemia (which is what I got told I had originally then had to change docs due to house move who now say I haven’t got that it’s just deficiency)
Great content docs, I’ve heard it said that supplementing b12 , if not by injection, the methylcobalamine version is superior to cyanocobalamine which is cheaper.Sublingual is a choice when malabsorption is present.Low stomach acid is another cause of low b12. Last blood test showed my level was 60, normal ranges from 90-900. Even normal blood test levels can be misleading, Hope this helps someone!
Can it be inconvenient to use methyl adenosyl sublingual pills together with cyanocobalamin injection?
My kids and I are typically low without supplementation. We have MTHFR gene mutation. Back in the day I didn't know that, nor all it involved, and my neurologist Rx'd B12 shots --this was around 2009. I felt horrible after each one. I went for three before I realized they made me worse and stopped going. In the states back then the injected form given routinely was cyanocobalamin. Might still be. That form can be very hard to break down when you have MTHFR. I am glad to see HB12 is what you're injecting! That's the only form my son with autism and MTHFR can tolerate. My other son and I do ok with MB12 --and H & A.
People with MTHFR need to make sure they are getting natural Folate as well. Most supplement companies love to take the cheap road and include CB12 and Folic Acid to save money. Folic acid actually interferes with the ability to absorb real folate in those with MTHFR. And it's in just about every processed food.
Take Quality supplements, eat real food :)
When I saw MTHFR, the first thing that came to my mind was mo**** f*****. Lol
Good information, but I'm surprised you didn't mention how certain medications can affect B12 absorption. Wouldn't that be a factor to address when deciding on treatment options?
Yes. Intrinsic factor enzyme that most don’t produce due to enriched flours.
For maybe 20 years since my childhood i suffer from, i think the english term is canker sore multiple times a year.
I always told my dentist about it and the responds was just put on soothing ointment.
A couple years ago i had a blood test because i was loosing more hair than usual in the shower, not too alarmed but just in case i mentioned it and they found a B12 deficiency.
So i took a Vitamin B Complex without any noticeable changes but i also didn't bother much.
Fast forward, last year i did some heavy research by myself,case studies, videos, diet analysis and more, took me months to gather some data for what i was about to do.
So i improved my diet and filled the gaps with supplements like Vitamin B12+D3, Zinc, Magnesium and Fishoil.
The results were good, it solved many things, not all of them but i'am happy with the results but most important i noticed that i don't get canker sore anymore.
And like usual CZcams pops a video in my face that focuses on B12 and you won't believe it, mouth problems...and now i'm going to tell this to my dentist :)
Certainly possible, but it’s more often “major” aphthous ulcers - as up to 1 in 5 can get ulcers up to monthly without significant worry
Aphthous ulcers can be multi factorial, but there is never a problem adjusting and improving diet. I’m glad things are improving
Your videos are so informative! :)
I know it will be a lot further down your alphabet but maybe could you possibly include Narcolepsy? :)
How many mcg should you take if b12
I’m getting B12 injections . How long does it take to help ? Please reply me .
My mother has had his for almost a year and has been on prescription strength supplements for over 8 months now with little improvements. Every 3 months they svreenher blood and it's no different could you tell me why that maybe or what route maybe next? She has not been told she has a lack of obsorbtion, would they automatically check for that? My mum is very affected by this and is constantly tearful,tired and not herself at all.
Its necessary to be off of the supplements for 3 -4 months before being tested to get an accurate diagnosis. There is a pernicious anemia fb group that teaches all of this. She may be taking the wrong form of b12 or not taking folate with it or she doesn't absorb and needs shots.
People on proton pump inhibitors often have b12 issues.
B12 Supplements worked, also injections and then worse symptoms came back. What could be the cause
There are so many experts talking on Vitamin B12 Deficiency on CZcams. I do not know who is right as a matter of fact, I am so confused as I'm interested on this vitamin B12. Whenever, I raise a question, I never get an answer though the question was raised more than 2 years ago.
I would honestly suggest that you evaluate the sources
So a dietician would likely be the best person to advise - but you need to know what their qualification actually is, and not just someone who decided to tell people what to and not to eat
Next best people (or possible equally knowledgeable) would be endocrinologist- so we had Prof Vinod Patel do the master class on diabetes video a year or so ago
Next would be GP’s and Neurologists. Both have a working knowledge, but may miss the finer points
Then any medic, will still have good knowledge from medical school. I would put them on par with a person having a degree /PhD in biosciences. Medic will know the clinical side, but perhaps not the pure science. The scientist will know the chemistry, but may only age shallow knowledge on the clinical side
@ Dr James Gill . I have been diagnosed with Vitamin B12 deficiency. It's 117pg/mL. On my family dr advice I have taken 7 B-12 injections in last 15 days. However I still feel Extremely tired and muscle pain in forearms and calf areas especially after every meal. I also feel exhausted and sleepy in the evening along with blurred vision.Also at dawn in the sleep I feel tired with muscle pain in forearms and calf. I have another dr appointment in few days but it would be nice of you if you could advise anything either some advance medical test or anything useful for me... Thanks in advance.
How are you now?
May be you also have vitamin d3 deficiency
Is celiac also a problem?
Hello how many months you took to fully recover. I have been 4 and a half months with the injections of cinconbalain. I have the B12 in 1500. I went before discovering it, since no doctor understood that I spent 3 months with spasms throughout the Curpo, the problems of the problems of vision of disorientation could not walk and download the electric shock by my legs and arms. I better better when I get 7 injections take advantage, but I already have the B12 very high now the neurologist tells me that 1 injection every 3 weeks. I still have symptoms that I am already tired of so much suffering. I would like to know how many months it took to recover totally and how many months it took to see a significant improvement. Thanks for your videos. All the best. And I have to sign from L Hermitte and vibration in the medullary spine. Cervico-dorsal RMI and Brain and Pess Very Good Results
Hello, I have the same problem. Did you recover ?
I heard where on one video they said that you should take b-complex vitamins to help with your nervous system.
Should be part of a healthy diet anyway
I have a B12 deficiency/pernicious anemia and I have had the injection since I was a kid. It was difficult if you were young and had to do the injection every week. I decided to stop when I was 30 years old but my body was getting worse. I took B12, folate, and Iron before, but I can only take B12 and Iron in the UK, and folate is by prescription only. My question is: is pernicious anemia genetical?
Not SPECIFICALLY, I think we’ve found four or five genes that increase risk, but not a single defective gene.
As for folic acid, that’s available without a prescription, as is b12, but just lower dose tabs
Hi... in 2018 my Vit B12 was 225.. I believe that is normal but on the low side? My doctor has done general bloods last week and advised my Vit D levels are low again at 27.8 (33.4 in 2018) and I have not got a prescription for that, but they said they will not do a Vit B12 as my bloods were "normal" at 134 ... I tried asking what that meant and was just told I was fine and normal... can I ask is Vit B12 tested independently of usual bloods? Can B12 still be low if other bloods are ok? Is it that they are assuming the bloods don't indicate large blood cells why they think I am ok? I was diagnosed with ME/CFS 15 years ago however reading more on both Vit D & B12 all my symptoms relate to deficiency in both these vitamins.. my last "ailment" I was diagnosed with BEST disease in 1 eye, a form of Macular Disease. I am 50. I also have visual disturbances etc, chronic fatigue and insomnia, brain fog, heart palpitations, back and hip pain, occasional numbness in my foot when walking, constant chest infections, breathing issues as always bunged up, slight sleep apnoea, tooth enamel erosion ... the list goes on... can you please help me understand what my GP is meaning?
What's the unit measurement that the b12 was measured in? Because in the UK, level of "normal" starts around 200+ but that could be because of a different unit of measurement.
Also, been hearing something about asking GP for "active b12 levels" and not just b12 levels
Dr can we inject b12 under stomach?
And 4th - that it can be absorbed but not be transported or converted for cellular use. As much as 80% of the serum B12 may actually be inactive - which then explains the scenario of those who have ‘normal’ or even high serum levels yet are still displaying abject deficiency symptoms - because their cells are starving!
I’ve suspected my husband may have had low B12 for some time but because ‘the doctor’ hadn’t sanctioned it, he wouldn’t try any. Three weeks ago however, he finally plummeted. Cold/chilled, numb hands, excessive fatigue, lethargy, dizziness/fainting, epigastric discomfort, no appetite, irritability, etc, etc, - ALL glaring symptoms of B12 deficiency.
When he finally agreed to see the doctor I requested B12 testing along with the FBC, etc. An ECG was also done. Apart from slightly low BP & blood count, nothing else was very obvious. His B12 was apparently 360. Not right on the floor but still low in the 180-900 range & certainly not ‘optimum’.
Because the B12 wasn’t in the doldrums, the doctor would not agree to giving him B12 shots, so with no other option apart from going into hospital for more tests, my husband agreed to try taking B12 to see what would happen. Armed with a new bottle of my tried & trusted ‘active’ (methyl- & adenosyl-cobalamin, the only two ‘active’ forms of B12, which I use myself as I eat a Plant-Based diet) sublingual drops, I started giving him some. Within TWO days it was very evident they were working. A lot more slowly than shots might, but better than nothing. Whether the doctor will now take note & give him some loading doses waits to be seen.
In Japan anyone with a level less than 500 is apparently treated. Why on earth does the U.K. medical profession have to wait until people are on their knees before they do anything??? They have such an ‘after the horse has bolted’ approach to everything! I know of a guy whose B12 was so low he’d developed paranoia, lost his job, his home & his family & ended up on the streets before it was finally discovered. His serum level was 114! And a previous test level five years earlier at just 140 had been filed by the doctor!
At the end of the day, nothing is set in stone & whilst you might be ok at 180, I might be very deficient at 375, especially if most of my serum B12 cannot be activated for whatever reason. Everyone’s tipping point into deficiency varies, & it should NEVER be assumed that a B12 level is ‘fine’, especially when they are displaying abject symptoms.
We are MADE of the natural elements. Our bodies RUN on the natural elements. Otherwise why would we need to eat & drink? If we are sick, then the reason is always going to logically be far more related to a nutritional deficiency rather than a drug deficiency….. Way too much time & finance is spent on the latter, & hardly anything on the former. So sad.
My b12 was around 300 years ago in my mid 20s, and then on my latest blood test late 20s, it said 500! Which is smack bang in the middle of the UK "normal" range Was so happy because I don't feel great about dangling round the minimum value of a range. Then I recently discovered 500 is the minimum in Japan. I'm losing hope in the medical field lol. I know to doctors we're hundreds of lives on their rota, and to the NHS we're millions. It's something I just realised I can't expect them to go above and beyond for 1 individual when several are there, but damn there's only one me and I can't believe how much trust I put in a system that can only see me as a statistic. Who are waiting for me to be at death's door before they even bother checking for levels and even then their archaic data range would say I'm okay.
As I mentioned in another reply. Different minimum values will occur depending on the test used.
It’s not possible to compare between tests.
That is a big issue when I see people coming in with bloods they have had done in other countries
“Doc, my results last month say X, but yours say Y”
Different labs use different measures.
Even in the UK, a lab will change the assay they use, and will advise that the units (eg mg) are staying the same, but the reference (normal) values are changing - as they are related to the assay test being used
The underlying medicine - and care given - remains constant
@@daisiesandpandas1218 and although your serum level is ‘normal’ it doesn’t mean it’s getting in to your cells. Some with even high B12 levels can still be cellularly deficient.
I am deficit in lots of vitamins and need to check my inflammation levels
There’s a difference between B12 deficiency and Pernicious Anemia. B12 deficiency is curable because the patient is not getting enough of the vitamin and can take an oral vitamin to rebuild their level. Pernicious Anemia is the severe stage of not being able to absorb the vitamin orally due to an autoimmune cause and the stomach does not metabolize it and the patient must take injections for life. The injection allows the brain to distribute the vitamin to the spinal cord and other vital organs that need it.
I got injections and they just quitted in the middle took my blood and said there high enough goodluck and till this day i feel so sick its so worse now i have an intenstines disease probbly and i probbly cant absorb vitamines wich om getting sicker and sicker and i still have to wait untill september before i can go to an hospital for it its so so bad and people think a vitamine aint that worse but this is, i cant even open packages anymore
There is a significant difference between b11 deficiency, as you’ve highlighted and pernicious anaemia
With pernicious anaemia there is a lack of intrinsic factor needed to absorbs b12. Pernicious anaemia as you say, is an autoimmune issue, from the body causing gastritis and thus no intrinsic factor
But that is very different to b12 deficiency, which may just be due to lack of b12 in the diet.
This was good Dr James, though I'm not sure why you missed talking about why B12 doesn't get absorbed. Is it a lack of intrinsic factor production, either through means of being genetically down regulated, due to age, or perhaps through a genetic defect causing an abnormal intrinsic factor structure? Regarding malabsorption of B12, does it happen because due to cellular damage or dysfunction of the intestines or something else?
IF and antibodies... (Got Addison-Biermer myself... Injecting for 12 years weekly
can i mix Hydroxocobalamin with my tobacco to neutralize hydrogen cyanide
I had 10 years + of chronic lower leg pain. I thought i was going to have to retire through ill health. I did not go to the Docs as my mother suffered from the same condition which was never diagnosed or cured. Also i did not want to go onto heavy duty pain killers iam a nurse and see too many people addicted to prescription medication. I had a week of unimaginable pain so severe that i was literally dragging myself across the floor as i could not walk. I went to the Doc and one blood test showed B12 deficiency. B12 tablet prescribed and within one week pain free with no pain killers, !0 years of my life wasted. Go to the doctor.
I’m sorry you suffered that way! Hopefully others reading this will be encouraged to see the doctor 😊
Damn! I am so sorry but I'm so happy you finally know the cause! Good on you for not taking prescription painkillers. I'm so glad for you. 😃
Oh nice! As a vegan, I take a B12 supplement but I’m not entirely sure what it’s for.
And so many foods are fortified with B12, I’m not even sure if I need to take extra!
I was gonna say the same, I have a lot of oatly, which is heavily fortified? Maybe we don’t need to take the supplement but better safe than sorry I guess :)
Because you're lacking the natural necessary nutrition found in meat. Make sure to eat all food groups to stay healthy.
@@DwightLivesMatter not true :) meat isn’t a requirement of a diet anymore, if you take supplements such as a multivit (which meat eaters should still take) you’ll be fine! Besides, those vitamins don’t come from the animal naturally, it’s only because the animal is fed them / injected with them after they’re killed :)
Bacteria makes the b12 which animals eat, mainly from soil or their feed.
I think you missed the point.. oral supplements usually dont get absorbed as well due to many factors. Hence why a large population of people know have monthly/weekly injections. Same goes for your food.. the absorption rate of B12 is usually very low even if you consume enough. Hope that helps
Weight loss surgery can also increase your risk of developing B12 deficiency.
How many mcg is in a b12 injection?
I was told my was only a little low no action required had done again 2 weeks later and today found out it is low and my active b12 is below average ... what is active b12 why is it different from Normal b12.
B12 wqs 151 my active b12 was 25. What's the difference?
Did you find out the difference ?
Thank you for this information. I have autoimmune underactive thyroid. I have been to the doctors the last three times, mainly as I mo ed house nd had to get prescriptions sorted, and mentioned memory problems, tired all the time and worse thing my ha ds fizzed so much I couldn’t feel them often. No one did a thing about it. I found out about B12 on a thyroid support group web site, bought some and after a week the fizzing hands subsided, I feel a bit less tired..whats the use of the NHS if they do nothing?
I think it might be worth while asking for a b12 test, just to make sure that it isn’t something else 😊
Dear Dr. Gill, thank you for this informative video. I have a quick question. i was diagnosed with a B12 deficiency in May last year, with a level of
I’m sorry, medicolegally I’m not able to provide advice. I would recommend you see your doctor however
@@DrJamesGill thank you, i appreciate your honesty. Medicolegally, Is there anything you *can* say based on the information i provided to help put my mind at ease? i am worried despite my supplementation i wont see any improvement and my neurological issues are permanent :(
Can please someone who has recovered from b12 deficiency,tell how much time it took to recover?
When we’re giving the injections, about 3 weeks for the full course
Hiii sir I need your help
Docter can we use sublinguals ???
I’m not aware of them being an effective approach for deficiency treatment.
hahah I had to laugh about marmite! That tip must be exclusively for Britsh viewers. I dont think many people outside Britain have heard of it. I'm surpised that only tablets and injections were mentioned as B12 supplement. What about drops? I have heard people favour drops over tablets and vice versa. Any opinions on that?
My mum found out she is severely low in b12. It affects her walking, GP says injection is no longer given and just take tablets.
The new high strength b12 tablets - where there is not malabsorption issue - are as effective as the injection
However if there was a reason for the poor absorption in the first place, the tablets won’t help with that
I've been taking B6.. Can I take B12 as well? Thanks Dr Gill 🙏
Yes they are two different vitamins. There should be no issue using both. However I would always ask a patient why they were taking the suppliemnts
@@DrJamesGill ahh thank you. I have endometriosis so my iron levels are very low and am anaemic x I take iron supplements too 🙂
Explain why people that consume the most animal protein especially milk protein have highest rate of B12 deficiency.
ive just been found to have a b12 deficiancy, second time, first time i was just given tablets but from tomorrow for the next couple of weeks i have to have injections, which doesnt bother me, im uused to medical stuff having been born with a disability, spina bifida, its just another thing on a long list lol.
My b12 level was 250 my doctor said that's fine and wasn't concerned even though I said I was worried about it. I've read a few studies where this is suggested this level is sub-optimal. Would you recommend re-testing or starting oral supplements to get it up? I eat beef 4 times a week and diary everyday so i'd have thought it should be higher due to my diet.
A particular drawback of testing vitamin B12 levels is that the current widely used blood test only measures the total amount of vitamin B12 in your blood.
This means it measures forms of vitamin B12 that are "active" and can be used by your body, as well as the "inactive" forms, which cannot.
If a significant amount of the vitamin B12 in your blood is inactive, a blood test may show that you have normal B12 levels, even though your body cannot use much of it.
There are some types of blood test that may help determine if the vitamin B12 in your blood can be used by your body, but these are not yet widely available.
Also funny enough different areas, cities, countries have different ‘optimal levels’. In European countries anything under 500 is classes B12 deficient! Hope that helps
Ask him to test for the active b12, your b12 levels can still come back but it doesn’t reflect the active b12.
@@storytale245 I had the active test too it was 63. I'm in UK (European country) I can assure you anything under 500 is not classed as deficiency. Here the cut off is 150-180
My wounds were not healing, but now I have been taking b12 and it healed up so fast. How did my body knew it needed it.
I THINK YOU KNEW BUT YOU WEREN'T SURE AND TOOK B12. GOOD AND HAPPY FOR YOU.
Your body didn't know, it just breaks down because "something" it uses for a process isn't available. So wounds wouldn't heal because b12 is needed.
I like how you guys say vitamin
Hello
Lack of vitamin b12 can cause tingling in the hands and feet. But this tingling can also appear in other parts of the body? Has anyone experienced this?
Ofcourse
And could this be the cause fir my hip surgery Iam 50 years old, and I feel Iam to young for hip replacement . Is not having enough b12 in your system cause my hip joints to go bad?
B12 doesn’t relate to osteoarthritis
@@DrJamesGill what about wounds healing correctly?
I have a lot of b12 in my diet so I was surprised when my doc told me my b12 was low and I should supplement. Shouldn’t i try and find out why it is low? Where do I start?
Your GP should be able to help with that
@@DrJamesGillyeah right
My b12 is
Its low as fuck get some help from another doc
If you have absorption problems, can sublingual work?
I think the absorption issue is related to the transporter on the small intestinal villi, which would not be present sub lingual my
I recently became vegan about four months ago, I just had my B12 blood test. It was 240. I have looked that up, it seems to be at the very lower level of normal, do you think a supplement is indicated or should I let it go and get it checked again in a few months?
There is no real harm in a supplement here 😊
Just went to the doctor with an odd smooth patch on my tongue . Just got a full blood screen, crossing my fingers it’s a b12 deficiency and not something more sinister
Good luck 🤞 for you
But is there any double vision tho
Yh
Can b12 deficiency and vitiligo be related? I've had both for years.
Possibility, as they can have an autoimmune connection
@@DrJamesGill thank you!
👍
Why are Britain's levels set at a quarter lower than the rest of europe?
Can B12 vitamins work or should I request a shot from my Dr?
High dose oral has been shown to work - assuming there is no issue with absorption
Get tests done from GP to see how you absorb B12. Let your own Doctor decide.
I’ll certainly agree that it’s something to discuss with your own GP. As a point to consider, high dose oral b12 is now licensed for replacement - assuming no absorptive issues
BRAC2 is a thing we deal with also.
In what regard?