Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency - "Normal" levels aren't good enough!?
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- čas přidán 20. 09. 2023
- What Your Doctor Doesn't Know About #B12 Could Save You From #Burnout, #Fatigue & #Anxiety
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B12 insufficiency is a situation that I see every single day in my practice working with busy, high-functioning professionals.
Vitamin B12 "normal" ranges around the world do not represent optimal, or even functionally sufficient levels, for many people.
Key Learnings in this Video:
- "Normal" ranges for B12 are (still) stupid;
- Most people do best when B12 levels are at the high end of "normal";
- What's in the blood isn't necessarily in the cells (tissues);
- B12 levels can remain elevated in the blood for 5 weeks after supplementation;
- B12 Deficiency and Functional Insufficiency signs and symptoms;
- FUT2, TCN1 and TCN2 SNPs associated with low B12 absorption, or bioavailability;
- Methylmalonic acid (MMA) may be a better test for B12 sufficiency.
References for functional genetic savvy people that I talk about in this video:
FUT2 SNPs: rs602662
TCN1 SNPs: rs526934, rs34528912, rs34324219
TCN2 SNPs: rs1801198
Remember to always speak with your licensed, experienced and knowledgeable healthcare practitioner before making any changes to your diet, lifestyle, medications or supplements.
This video was made to supplement my original video about Vitamin B12 that garnered so much attention:
THE "NORMAL" RANGE FOR VITAMIN B12 IS STUPI
• Vitamin B12: The "Norm...
Decoding High B12 - Unraveling the Mystery Behind Fatigue, Low Libido, and More
• Decoding High B12 - Un...
If you live in British Columbia, Canada, and you are interested in comprehensive testing and functional genetics assessments, I offer a FREE 25min Health Strategy Session where I can show you our RESILIENCELabs program, and see if it's the right fit for you. Unfortunately due to licensing regulations, I cannot take on patients unless they reside in BC.
evokemedicine.janeapp.com/loc...
#b12 #b12deficiency #energy #fatigue #healthspan #lifespan #longevity #productivitycoach #productivityhabits #productivitytips #productivityhacks #productivity
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Dr. Jason Marr, BScH, COC, ND
Naturopathic Doctor, Performance & Productivity Coach
Vancouver, BC, Canada
evokelife.co - Věda a technologie
Thank you so much!!!
I ve got so many visits at all kinds of doctors, they All sent me to have a blood, Urine test, MRI cervical, dorsal , no one can tell me or gave me a prescription to do this MMA test. I used to be very strong and agile, by know, i have to force myself to walk 30 minutes just because of being scared that I am loosing my balance easily, all others symptoms that you said, also. 😨
Again, Thank you, will take an appointment with my Neurolog to talk about Vit. B12, and just hope that this is the answer for all mysterious troubles since 3 years.
A good video is by sally pacholok if anyonexwants extensive knowlege on what b12 deficiency causes
Great information. Just discovered and subscribed to your channel. I wish I could find someone like you in the NY region! I believe you mentioned you have a video on the types of B12. I'll go see if I can find that. In the meantime, what are your thoughts on sublingual B12 (methyl, 1000 mcg) in comparison to standard oral capsules? Since it dissolves under the tongue, do I still need to be concerned about avoiding taking other vitamins (oral) at the same time? In other words, I'll take my water-soluble vitamins at a different time than fat-soluble ones. With sublingual B12, is that a concern as it enters the system in a different manner? Thanks!
Sublingual B12 is largely BS, in my opinion - you swallow most of it anyways. Not worth the increased cost (not that they're particularly expensive). If you need to bypass absorption, intramuscular injection absolutely the way to go.
@@drjmarr That was my thought. I'm still going to swallow most of it as is, so what's the benefit? I've been surprised that much B12 1000 mcg seems to be sublingual in form.
Just as background, I recently completed four months of B12 injections starting with what I suspect is a standard three in one week, then once a week, then once a month for those with deficient levels. The progressive symptoms I was experiencing at the start were quite alarming, even though I hadn't technically fallen into the deficient category, although close (240 pg/ml). I am not a vegan. My picture is probably hanging in the cow postoffice as one of the most wanted humans with a generous reward for my capture. I should not have low levels of B12 based on my diet. I mention all this not for you, but any of your readers/viewers who might minimize the impact of low B12. It can be quite significant, even for those who aren't judged deficient but on the low end like me. The good news is almost all the symptoms have subsided, although it took a few months. I'm now more concerned with ensuring they don't come back. My neurologist recommended 1000 mcg before he retests me in a few months. Frankly, I'd rather just keep taking the injections, even if I do them myself!
I didn't see a video on the types of B12 and your recommendations yet, so perhaps I misheard. I think it will be a good one.
@@MikeD_I need to record something on forms, trying to figure out how to keep it straightforward though because that discussion really needs a deep dive into genetics and methylation. I like methylcobalamin for most people though. Good on you for advocating for yourself and finding your way!
@@MikeD_ Unfortunately there appears to be a widespread deficiency of vitamin B12
In the past it mainly affected vegetarian/vegan people and elderly people, today the B12 deficiency is also among young people and meat eaters.
The causes are numerous:
1) animal nutrition has changed in the last 70 years, animals are not exposed to the sun on a pasture to eat grass but closed in a stable to eat cereals, this affects the nutritional content of their products and their meat.
These animals are also stuffed with antibiotics, which in small quantities are then found in their meat and in the products of these animals (milk, cheese, etc.)
The antibiotics we eat in meat, milk, eggs and cheese cause damage to the stomach and cause vitamin malabsorption.
2) Gluten can cause inflammation, people who eat a lot of foods with gluten have inflamed intestinal villi, this can also cause malabsorption.
3) abuse of drugs of all types, continuous use of antacid drugs, gastroprotectors without any warning from doctors that these can lead to malabsorption of vitamins.
Sorry for the bad translation but English is not my native language.
Where can you buy B12 injections in Canada?
Great video, thank you. Do I also have to wait 5 weeks after supplementation if I want to test urine MMA or it's a different time range?
What do you think about testing holotrsnscobalamin ?
No need to wash out for MMA (blood or urine). Probably don't need to worry about holotranscobalamin - MMA would be enough in my opinion!
This was so helpful, thank you! With MTHFR, GSTM1, FUT2, and TCN2 would you recommend injections over b12 supplements? I’m in the US and my b12 levels are at ~1000 while supplementing but I want to make sure I have the best chance of getting the b12 into my cells especially for fertility.
Supplementation, in methylated form, is likely more than effective enough with those blood levels. I often like to start people with injections and then maintain with supplements, because you'll usually notice big improvements quickly from injections when you're functionally insufficient. Supplements don't usually yield as obvious a step up in a short period of time. If you want to be sure about intracellular delivery of B12, test MMA.
Thanks for this video, i found it very informative. I had a routine bloodtest back in May. There was no followup from my doctor, but i started experiencing some tingling in my hands (starting in my left wrist) about a month ago. I've since experienced the same sensation in my feet and around my lips, along with intermittent joint and muscle pain. In a panic, i decided to check the results of my earlier bloodtest and it showed a B12 level of 217. I've been taking a supplement for a few weeks with mild improvement and i have an appt with my Dr tomorrow...all this to ask, any tips on how to choose an effective B12 supplement? Would you recommend a shot?
It’s my pleasure! What are the units for your B12 level? An injection or series of them is/are unlikely to be harmful either way, speak to someone experienced in the area to administer them, as form does matter. Choosing a b12 supplement can depend on your functional genetics, but I often look for methylated B12 and folate, and activated enzyme forms of riboflavin and pyridoxine in a B-complex. I’ll try to do a video on this soon !!
@drjmarr Thank you so much for responding! I had my Dr's appointment today and she basically said that my B12 levels would have to be zero to experience peripheral neuropathy from a deficiency, and looked at me like I was crazy when I brought up doing an mma test. For reference, my B12 levels were 217 pmol/L back in May, with zero followup or correction. I rarely eat meat, or other B12 rich foods and while my symptoms could be caused by something else, I feel like this is worth exploring. It's so frustrating when you don't feel heard by your doctor!
@@tahiraosman3375 I disagree that neuropathies cannot occur with suboptimal B12 - I've seen a lot of these cases. Usually comes with SNPs in TCN2 associated with poor cellular transport of B12 in my experience.
@@tahiraosman3375 You tell them you're a vegetarian or vegan and suddenly they'll take you seriously
Hey just discovered your channel! You say that to get an accurate measure of serum B12 one should avoid all supplementation for 5 weeks. I'm self treating a severe deficiency with daily shots & have done a lot of research .. most forums advise staying away from all B12 supplements AND B12 fortified foods for at least 4 months prior to testing to get an accurate result. Do you think that this is overkill? Turns out my own level 232pg/ml back in 2017 prior to going vegan, but then I started taking a multivitamin so all following tests were above 600pg/ml when in reality my level continued to drop (clear from accumulation & intensity of symptoms.)
It's probably overkill, but in a case like yours it's probably not worth stopping just to get a test done for serum B12. If you really want objective data, run MMA instead!
@@drjmarr Thanks for your response! My MMA was 2.1 Ug/mg back in 2021 before realising I have the deficiency. The Dr I worked with never mentioned it.. is that bad?! I’m in UK & my NHS Drs won’t test or treat etc
I had nearly all the symptoms you mentioned (CFS), plus diabetes insipidus (or something that looked just like it). Peeing every 12-20 min and up 4-5 times a night. It went away 72 hours into supplementation. I have MTHFR, TCN2 and lots of other methylation SNPs. I take 2 needles a day.
Wow that’s crazy! Sometimes adrenal dysfunction can look like diabetes insipidus due to reduced aldosterone production.
I also have adrenal insufficiency. Methylfolate had been started weeks before, but not B12 because my levels were high normal. I was taking cyanocobalamin which I assume could not be utilised. I started methylcobalamin and it was a huge step forward. I ran out of B2 a couple of weeks later with all the classic signs. I am likely celiac and my colon was removed = polyposis. Thanks for the video.@@drjmarr
What Is the risk allele for TCN1? Is it G?
My b12 came at 725 Canadian level. Ive also been taking liquid supplement 5000 mcg. Had a wash out period of 5 days. Should I get another test in a month or so without supplementing? CBC was normal. Dr. Google doesnt help and worsens the anxiety. Do I need to be concerned?
My naturopathic doctor wants me to supplement with B12. My latest test was 330. I have Hashimoto's Hypothyroidism and have terrible muscle and joint pain and stiffness, numbness and tingling in fingers and toes, irritability, tiredness, anxiety and am just feeling too crappy to want to do anything. My life is passing me by. Do you think I should stick with (start actually, I forgot to start taking it) my sublingual B12 or go for an injection? Thank you for your videos. Very much.
Talk to your ND first, but you'd likely notice quicker improvement from B12 injections, assuming the other factors aren't involved more in your symptomatology.
Get a b12 that you suck on or under your tongue, jarrow or life extension have good ones, I would also add methyl folate, I dont know how hashimots works but you cant have any iodine in your diet? Because Kelp supplement is a great mood and energy booster for me, also maybe get carlsons omega 3 fish oil, black seed oil, taurine supplement maybe? Also maybe carnivore diet or keto atleast
But 330 is too low, and The number range is different for people anyways, just buy some subligunal b12
@@TheJimmyswe150 personally i think sublingual B12 is overrated, but it's not exactly crazy expensive, so go for it. Also, for the record, do NOT take iodine or kelp supplements in Hashimotos without supervision and monitoring by an experienced healthcare practiitoner.
Check your ferretin and vitamin d too
How's 923 pg/dl?
The place that tested mine claimed it was around the high end of normal. Reason I got tested was because I got diagnosed with Celiac last year, but luckily there wasn't any villi damage just high Lymphocytes in my small intestine and a positive TTG iga 8 weeks later.
I was never taking supplements containing B12. Only supplements I take is fish oil and D3 during fall/winter.
That's pretty solid considering no supplements and a dx of Celiac, which even if minimally symptomatic, is commonly associated with lower levels of serum B12. Did you have a CBC done at the same time by any chance?
Any B12-fortified foods?
CBC was normal and comprehensive metabolic blood work was also perfect and past ones.
My feratin/full iron panel, B12/folate, TSH, free t3 & t4, lipase was also all normal.
The GI doctor even tested me for other autoimmune problems and everything was negative, so outside of Celiac I'm healthy.
The main reason I saw him was because I noticed I just haven't had a hunger cue in over 4 years, so he recommended an endoscopy and all these tests. My first Celiac test was negative despite never being gluten free. It took 6 pieces of bread everyday like I was never going to enjoy it again to make my TTG IGA go from 11 to 60 units.
I got diagnosed last year at age 32 and my Grandma got diagnosed in her 70s.
The complete iron panel was done after the gluten challenge 8 weeks after the inconclusive biopsies that were believed to be Celiac because everything else that could've caused them was ruled out.
I don't believe so unless regular cows milk is fortified. According to cronometer most of my B12 comes from fat free and low fat milk and skinless chicken thighs. I do eat really lean top sirloin here and there, but I try to limit my red meat consumption.
Can a deficiency cause panic attacks and low RBC, low hematocrit, low neutrophils, and low white blood cell counts? Mine measured at 328 (US) but that range had a disclaimer stating "people in this range may experience neuropsychiatric symptoms." I can't imagine not taking a supplement for 5 weeks. Honestly, the prospect scares me.
Lower B12 is likely going to have association with panic attacks, but what you're describing is frank anemia, which can be caused by a number of mechanisms. You need to see your doc immediately to determine the type and cause of anemia. If you're taking B12 already and your levels are only 328, that is definitely low. If your neutrophils and WBCs are just borderline low, I see this pattern with people who aren't consuming enough protein.
Bottom line, there's more than B12 insufficiency likely going on here.
Thank you. That's very helpful. I was also taking Pepcid AC and Lion's Mane, Reishi, and Turkey Tail when the panic attacks started. They have subsided, but have not stopped entirely, despite stopping the Lion's Mane and Pepcid two weeks and three days ago (two things I found other accounts of [anecdotal] with panic attacks). I am drinking electrolytes as well now. In the US, I'd love a better healthcare system so I could feel better faster. The prospect of waiting is frankly terrifying when panic attacks are involved. Thank you again for taking the time. I appreciate it. @@drjmarr
If my b12 is 325 US is 100mcg enough to raise to 500-600????? Tx
It really depends on your functional genetics, but in most people this will work, but might take a little time to be sustainable.
i have buring sensation .leg hand.under arm.but more time lower back.now am faceing urinary infection.sir what is the reason.i am vegeterian last for 3months
Impossible to know without physical exam and appropriate bloodwork. Be sure to see your doc. Low back and flank pain is suspicious for kidney infection from your UTI. Get that looked at first.
@@drjmarr sir sugar normal clostol normal.creatin normal. lft test normal.scaning report shows
minimal echos flotting urinary blader
then.what is the reasons sir.am 32age.am so woorried about that..wbc cound increased 10..
@@rajeenarasvin9306 not something you should be getting medical advice from CZcams for sir.
@@drjmarr sir i have small kidney stones 3mm both kidnes. this is coursed for buring sensation to lower back.any advice
@@rajeenarasvin9306 you need to see your doctor who can evaluate you in-person.