Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms (+ how to test for it and treat it with supplements)
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- čas přidán 14. 10. 2019
- A major list of Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms. How to know if your B12 levels are how, how to test for B12 deficiency, and how to treat B12 deficiency with supplements.
Treating vitamin B12 deficiency is one of my favorite conditions to treat because I consider it an easy win for many people. Simply taking B12 is enough to fix the problem and may help you feel better very quickly.
But before we talk about treatment we need to discuss vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms.
You can find a list of symptoms associated with low B12 levels below:
#1. Fatigue/weakness - Probably the most common symptom.
#2. Weight gain - Unexplained weight gain may be due to low B12.
#3. Brain fog - The inability to focus or concentrate.
#4. Depression - Depression AND anxiety can be associated with B12 deficiency.
#5. Numbness/tingling - Usually a sign of more advanced deficiency.
#6. Tongue changes - Including tongue lesions.
#7. Constipation
#8. Heart palpitations
#9. (Forgot to discuss in the video) HAIR LOSS - I can't believe I forgot this one but yes low B12 levels can lead to hair loss.
#10. (Forgot to discuss in the video) ANEMIA - Also, I forgot to mention that low B12 can lead to a specific type of anemia (megaloblastic anemia) which is rare but does happen.
How to TEST for B12 deficiency:
There are several ways to test for Vitamin b12 deficiency but not all of the tests are great.
The list includes:
Serum B12 levels - Serum B12 is the worst way to test for B12 deficiency and is often very inaccurate.
Methylmalonic acid - Methylmalonic acid is better than serum B12 but is often not ordered by doctors.
MCV - MCV is a measure of the SIZE of your red blood cells. A high MCV can indicate you have B12 deficiency.
Homocysteine - Homocysteine will increase with low B12 levels.
If you decide that you have both the symptoms of B12 deficiency AND abnormal lab tests then you may want to consider supplementation.
The best supplements include:
- Methylcobalamin
- Hydroxycobalamin
- Adenosylcobalamin
These are PRE-METHYLATED and PRE-ACTIVATED forms of B12. You will want to use these over the cheaper version of B12 known as cyanocobalamin. The recommended formulations of B12 are safe to use if you have the MTHFR defect and can be readily used by the body without the need for activation.
Download my free thyroid resources here (including hypothyroid symptoms checklist, the complete list of thyroid lab tests + optimal ranges, foods you should avoid if you have thyroid disease, and more): www.restartmed.com/start-here/
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See ALL of my specialized supplements including protein powders, thyroid supplements, and weight loss products here:
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Disclaimer:
Dr. Westin Childs received his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic medicine in 2013. His use of “doctor” or “Dr.” in relation to himself solely refers to that degree. Dr. Childs is no longer practicing medicine and does not hold an active medical license so he can focus on helping people through videos, blog posts, research, and supplement formulation. To read more about why he is no longer licensed please see this page: www.restartmed.com/what-happe...
This video is for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose and it is not a substitute for a medical exam, treatment, diagnosis, prescription, or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. Childs and you. You should not make any changes to your medications or health regimens without first consulting a physician. If you have any questions please consult with your current primary care provider. Restart Medical LLC and Dr. Westin Childs are not liable or responsible for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis, or any other information, services, or product you obtain through this website or video.
#thyroid #hypothyroidism #hashimoto's
![B12 Deficiency and Neurological Disease [Explained by Neurologist]](/img/n.gif)
*Note: I forgot to add that B12 deficiency can also cause HAIR LOSS (at sub-optimal levels) and ANEMIA (only if severe). This is the B12 supplement that I recommend but you can find others that are similar as well: www.restartmed.com/product/power-b-complex/
OK DR I HAVE MY THYROID REMOVED 15 YEAR AGO AM ON MEDICATION I HAVE LOW TESTOSTERONE SHOULD I TAKE B12 WOULD IT BENEFIT ME AND IF SO WHAT IS.THE BEST B12 VITAMINS PLS RESPOND
What B12 do you recommend me to buy?
If I take B vitamins with an evening meal, I will be awake until 1:00AM.
I thought B12 had to be sublingual. These are capsules.
@@Angiehere-1 nutritionfacts . Org says take it on an empty stomach. I researched this
I had hair loss in 2008 - thyroid tested. 2 x scopes for reflux . Gallbladder removal 1996. Pins and needles in hands and feet 2009 - tested for diabetes. treated for back and neck pain 2010. Tinnitus - growling in ear - electric shock sensations / crawling on the skin / depression - told ? psychosis 2013. Treated with meds and ended up on a ECG - gait / walk changed. Things continued and I had palpitations - extreme fatigue. Felt like I was vibrating ( now know it was internal tremors). Was treated for anxiety. Brain fog with difficulty swallowing / talking. Ended up with an aspirate pneumonia. Was treated but not investigated further. Developed extreme tremor - previously reported and dismissed. Balance and walking problems. Numbness in hands and face and feet. Decided to have private bloods obtained. B12 was 19. Vit D was 7. Folate was 1.1 . Bone profile abnormal. I looked like someone with Parkinson's disease at this point. Neurological review - subacute combined degeneration of spinal cord due to b12 deficiency. Was told this happened due to misdiagnosis and no treatment. I have started treatment and have slight improvement. We still dont know if I have permanent damage or not. I was a healthy mum of 3 and a very devoted midwife prior to all this - I now struggle with daily activity. I just joined a b12 support group and discovered that this happens a lot here in UK. I am gutted. I almost cried when I saw your youtube video - someone who actually understands and gets this. They should make ur video mandatory for GPs here. Much love to you !
Oh my gosh thank you for sharing. I am experiencing all of these symptoms and I keep being told its anxiety and it's in my head. I am getting so depressed I was considering suicide because I felt there was no hope. There are days where I feel like I'm dying. I am a mom of one ...had him 6 months ago. Got my b12 tested waiting for results. I hope they find out what's wrong with me. The electrical pains in my legs are so bad they wake me up at night. I am so weak I cant walk up the stairs anymore:/
OMG! I have the same symptoms. Neurologist ordered blood test and was deficient in vitamin b12. Had daily injection for 1 week and now once a month. Balance and gait problem, gallbladder removed,tinnitus,slurring my word at times. I hope you are better.
@@olivianichole288 Olivia how are you feeling now?
How are you doing now
MMm'' .
I have pernicious anaemia and before I was tested for low B12, I was extremely ill. I got to the point I was unable to walk, I couldn’t function at all, I was so exhausted to the point I was asleep most of the time, I couldn’t stand up, I was extremely clumsy, my brain fog was severe and I had to have treatment at home due to the severity of the symptoms. I have B12 injections every three months. I would say to anyone who has these symptoms to please get your blood test, also if you can, please ask to have the homocysteine test as well. After doing a lot of research with the help of the Pernicious Anaemia Society here in the U.K. I have been advised that the Serum B12 is generally inaccurate as it shows inactive B12 levels, meaning your real count is much lower. Also Dr’s here don’t treat it unless your levels drop below 211, which is dangerously low and leaves you prone to long term neuropathic issues and psychological issues which manifest long before the haematological changes. Another point to note is that folic acid masks B12 deficiency so please keep that in mind as if you’re taking it, you could be masking your deficiency without realising. It’s also worth noting that in reality, any serum B12 reading below 1,000 is actually considered a deficiency according to the Pernicious Anaemia Society, so a lot of work still needs to be done to change the guidelines and to teach Dr’s in order to protect patients in the future from long term lifelong damage due to low B12.
Dr. Childs. I really appreciate your video on B12. I am a 70 year old male with diabetes, cholesterol and atrial fibrilation. For the past months I was feeling very tired, had to take naps during the day and lacked energy. I went to see my doctor who ordered a blood test for B12. It came back with 310 which is barely above the minimum range of 232-1245. The doctor advised me to take B12 supplement with 1000 mg. I did buy it and started using it 4 days ago. I was shocked at how quickly things changed. I am not tired anymore. I am mentally sharper and do not need afternoon naps. Today I stumbled across your video and watch it in entirety. I exhibited most of the symptoms you listed. I appreciate your video very much and highly recommend it. In fact, I subscribed to your channel. Keep up the good work, Sir.
Dr Westin Childs good morning from South Africa. Am a cancer patient out of treatment now. My b12 was bad i used to lose balance get forgetful. Am 70year old. I have neurobion injection once a month. Am now taking it for 7 months and i do feel a big difference. Thanks again for your beautiful message. Hope my journey in life goes well. God bless you always and stay safe
I rarely comment, but you, good sir, are a genuine doctorand worthy of my humble praise. Thank you, I suspected a deficiency and have been battling this for more than a decade to varying degrees, and this information presented so succinctly was something I could really take hold of and validate and even more importantly use to make corrections. I can't thank you enough for your channel. I wish we had actual doctors we could visit that have your command of their own gray matter and the guts to provide care as such, rather than the one size fits all socialist system we have now. I wish ALL insurance and pharmaceutical companies would become a thing of the past. I would rather pay my doctor, one such as yourself, directly monthly whether I use them or not than an insurance company. I am not alone.
So much info ~so much passion to help. You're amazing Dr. Ty
I'm a woman. My MCV is 98. My doctor didn't mention b12 deficiency. He only suggested me to take iron, whereas my iron level is normal. Thank you so much for this useable information!!!
No prob!
How do you supplement if you’re on PPIs? I have a feeling my long term use of omeprazole might be making me b12 deficient.
So happy for this subject! Thank you.
Love your style. Super informative. Subbed after just one vid.
In my first medicare visit labs ordered revealed B12 deficiency, quite low. I had been experiencing symptoms that kept hindering my my ability to work and daily life activities and interaction with others. I had also shoulder and knee pain with limping. But at 66 you are just getting old, That was my train of thought. We are programed to believe that getting old is the root of all sickness. The thing that surprised me the most, is that my dr did not prescribed any supplementation since my D was also in the dumps. She just wanted to prescribe me and got me on Metformin (bad for b 12). I was also in a pre diabetic state and osteoporosis. So on my own, I am also a nurse, I went on to supplement and change my diet and increased my activity. I feel very blessed and lucky because I know that irreversibly damage can happen with this deficiencies. I had most of the symptoms you mention to a mild degree. I am still supplementing but every other day; my labs show they got to the normal range. I also eat more wholesome foods with lots of fatty fish sardines. I also took care of the pre diabetes with a low carb diet and exercise. Thank you, that is a brilliant explanation that people should take notice of!
I've been seeing doctors with these symptoms since I was 27. They told me I was getting old since then, and everyone told me i was getting old in the decades since but I would see old people with more energy than me so it was confusing haha. Good for you figuring things out for yourself along the way. I work shiftwork and high stress job too and thought it was combo of that plus getting old. I eat well, rately drink, and although not celiac wheat was clearly an issue (now I know it's because wheat is "fortified"with cheap synthetic b vitamins 30% of people cant provess). I even supplemented with b vitamins. But it took me until i was 50 to finally take my bloodwork to a savvy Naturopathic Doctor with biochemistry degrees and some awareness of recent science related to genetics to really have a breakthrough. She saw my bloodwork, prescribed non-synthetic active form methylated b vitamins and 3 days later I was bouncing out of bed with the energy I had in my teens and early 20s (prior to birth control pill which seemed to eff up my health). She also ordered a dna test which she had a trusted epigenetics firm translate the raw data from and now we have a better idea what was specifically impacting me. I gave TEN times the energy. I can shave standing up. I can plan more than one task a day. I'm keeping ahead of the pack at work with my focus, concentration, and stress management. Inflamation went away. I sleep soundly and wake up rested for the first time in over 20 years. I hope you get your miracle too. Surely you deserve it. ♡
Wow! I accidentally came across a b12 video this morning and I think someone knows my life history. I have most of the symptoms listed. I happened to have a bottle of b12 that I started today. I will have to check the type it is. I am tired of being exhausted with brain fog that leaves me feeling like I get absolutely nothing done in a day. Thank you so much for the clear and concise explanation!
Did you find the correct forms of b vitamins to improve your situation? I saw a Naturopathic Doctor with degrees in biochemistry. She happened to be savvy about more recent genetic information in the past decade or so which my GP clearly wasnt aware of. The ND prescribed appropriate forms and amounts of b vitamins and it was radically life changing for me. Cleared my brain fog, eliminated anxiety, radically improved my sleep quality I woke up rested for the first time in 20 years, my energy returned like it was in my teens and 20s, stress management improved, my mood is awesome even through stress of being a shift worker at high demand work. Life is so much better I wish everyone could feel this good. I hope you figure out what will help you. ♡
Amazingly useful information, thank you! . God bless you doctor! 💚
I have been diagnosed with b12 shortage, I have all those symptoms. The numbing and tingling come and go so I hope we can get a handle on it. Thank SOOOO much Doctor! 13:02
I had the symptoms and suspected thyroid issue, this morning I was getting a blood sample ( finger prick) for a home thyroid test. The blood would not flow, it took a great deal of effort to barely fill the tiny container. In the meantime my whole body turned white and cold, my fingers and toes remain white and tingly even when trying to warm up by gentle exercise. I have a good diet but autoimmune issue (not enough stomach acid part of it) so it looks I may have hit home….Thank you 🌸
Beautiful video, thank you for helping people.
The best video where B 12 is well explained -thanks
This 13min video gave me more insight than my normal doctor visits! I suffer with PCOS and can't seem to find help with any of my local doctors. How can I get you to be my doctor lol
I told your normal doctor. he wants you to Fire him.
🥴🥴🥴😂😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣🤣
From my experience as a medical doctor:
what is importandly lacking in this presentation about vit. B12:
if there is a block or twist in the vertebral column at the level of thoracal vertebra 5 , 6 and/or 7 , which is a very common problem wihtout people realising this: there might be pressure on one side of the orthosympathic nerve stations of nodes which are lined up just in front of these vertebra's: Then this pressure in the nerves to the stomach which leaves from there, by twisted T5 T6 or T7 gives chronical irritation to the stomach (too much nerve impulses) In the wall of the stomach there is so called intrinsic factor, which is needed to absorb vit. B12, and will through the irration in the stomach nerves become less available for B12 absorbtion.. So many people dont absorb B12 well anough in their gut for that reason, and consequently T5 T6 and T6 need to be controlled first whether these are in position or not and adjusted by an osteopath or somebody well trained for these vertrebral joint problems. Meanwhile this is the reason it is better to start with B12 by injection somewhere in the muscle until the readjustment of the thoracal column has taken place..
This seems like me; wow! Thank you.
Oh my goodness, this is a revelation. Thank you so much Doctor. Wish our GPs here in UK were more clued up, I have felt unwell for years since damaging those exact three discs at work!!
Very educational video. Thanks 🙏🏽
Glad you enjoyed it!
Good video. I finally was told by a neuro to take b12 and within 10 days saw difference. Didn't change anything to my hair, but a low grade urinary incontinence i took for granted after my delivery has gotten better over the year i am taking it, and one strange thing i saw nowhere in these videos: my feet which swell in hot weather, only got to about a fourth of what they usually swell....just as an info...plus i realised that i probably have this on and off since a young age...
I saw many were feet swell in lack of b12.
I just checked the Central Market brand of B complex I had been taking and it had the not so good kind of B12.
Now I’m taking Dr. Childs B12. I feel better.
Extreme fatigue, being barely able to climb a flight of stairs, heart pounding so bad that it feels like it’ll explode! Feeling like you’re 98 going on 99! Very painful ‘pins and needles’ feeling in arms, hands, fingers. Confusion, inability to concentrate or study. ‘Geographic Tongue’ with dark purple areas, cracks along the edges and numbness. These and more are the symptoms I experienced with a severe B12 deficiency due to being stubbornly Vegan for so many years. I was finally diagnosed by an alternative medicine doctor through blood work and he had me injecting B12 2X per week, then 1X per week, then monthly, for years. I now maintain my B12 levels with sublingual Methylcobalamin supplementation. It made a world of difference! If you are hypochloridic (low stomach acid), lack Intrinsic Factor or don’t have the proper gut bacteria, you won’t be absorbing B12 from your diet. Sublingual supplementation with sublingual Methycobalamin is the way to go.
A great book on this subject is titled ‘Could it be B12?’ Find it on Amazon.
@Dr. Child's. bang on .....yes
B12 deficiency is a nightmare I suffered for decades and supplementation seemed to help tremendously and surprisingly quick.
Please make a video on boils root cause if possible, as thyroid people also develop insulin resistance, high LDL and fatty liver due to slow metabolism . Any connection or missing link?
My MCV is 95 and homocysteine is 15. B12 serum was low normal range so my doctor put me on weekly methyl B12 injections. Hopefully I will soon be doing them myself at home. Great video.
Find a place that gives the Myers Iv. They are wonderful
Hello Dr.
I am from IRAN.thanks alot for this information.i follow you.you are very kind.🙏🙏🙏
No problem!
Great content and info...you have given me much needed info because I believe I need to be tested...have the tingling and hair loss plus other symptoms too. Most helpful...thank you so so much. God bless you!
Thank you for the insight
Thank u so much for ur time and help
I always value your topic esp when I have Hashimoto, Hypothyroidism and goiters. I’m taking Levothyroxine 50mcg daily. From my complete blood count back in January, my MCV was 92. I feel tired and sleepy - does it mean I have B12 deficiency?
I had low b12 before my tests showed I have hypothyroidism. Low b12 can cause thyroid and vice versa. Both are correlated, so is vit d. Check both.
Yes i was told by dr that my B 12 was low last month and iron was low also just started taking b12 i hope i will feel better soon. Thank u so much 4 ur info
B12 and iron are often low because of reduced stomach acid. Take these as supplements together with digestive enzymes and/ or betaine hydrochloride during a meal to increase absorption
For iron deficiency watch Morley Robins.
Great information 👍
Dr. Westin Childs, I have a rare hereditary condition which is complicated. Because it affects the brain it's difficult to tell whether I have deficiency in B12. I am anaemic but not as bad as in the past. Would you have any advice to offer to treat mutiple micro bleeds, which affects the body in diverse ways. Thanks
Before I got my genes tested and before I got educated on the topic.. I used to use cyanocobalamin with horrendous fx. I have the mthfr gene and have switched to methycobalamin and also take dessicated liver pills. Game changer
I agree. Change to the B12 you mentioned above. Also, has folate instead of folic acid.
I have been getting B12 injections for about 6 months now. I also have C-PTSD, PCOS, MDD, PMDD, OCD and severe anxiety. So i had no idea i had a B12 deficiency for years. Getting the injections doesn't make me feel any different. I still have all the mental disabilities i had before. My eyes were constantly changing and getting worse every few months. I slept about 20 hours a day and never left home because i was so exhausted. The exhaustion was so bad I'd get irritable... I only found out about the deficiency because i got a new obgyn and they decided to check. They thought i was anemic because I'd had a period for 3 months straight.
I have autoimmune pernicious anaemia and I need B12 daily to keep symptoms away. I personally do great on 2000 mcg daily sublingual spray.
Hi Marie. I was diagnosed with B12 deficiency a week or so ago, around which my eyesight markedly changed, following a greater change in January. The optician whom I saw yesterday made no connection between vision deterioration and low B12. This suggests they are insufficiently informed and need to expand their clinical knowledge. I am going to find some research papers on B12 and vision change and send them to all the opticians who saw me during this period. Thank you for your input. I still have swollen ankles and was wiped out today, not able to do much. I do wonder about electromagnetic causes of this deficiency as I generally eat well.
What type of vit 12 are you getting? Cyanocobalamin? Hydroxocobalamin? Methylcobalamin? And how often? Cyanocobalamin seems to be the worst since it's not a natural form of B12 and it's inactive, and not everyone can convert it into its active form.
Try also supplementing with sublingual forms (letting them act under yout tongue for at least 10 minutes before swallowing), ideally methyl and or adenosyl forms, also, make sure you're taking enough folate, potassium, magnesium and also check your vitamin D levels
@wallacesousuke1433 Awesome advice. Everything you said made all the difference in my case. Synthetic b vitamins made my life worse. Even north american wheat "fortified" with synthetic b vitamins destroyed my system. Chewable Methylated b vitamins changed my life for the better. I got my life back after zero energy and always tired for 20 years. Regular medical doctors were near useless with this issue, so pretentious, lazy, and condescending, they prefer to assume psychosis despite ample evidence to the contrary. It took a savvy ND with a biochemistry background and awareness of recent information and studies into genetics and epigenetics to gift me with the correct form of b vitamins and saved what remains of my life! Life begins at 50 for me. I now wake up rested! I now have the energy I had in my teens and early to mid 20s before my health went downhill. My digestion and skin are all improving. My mood went from super low to vert even and happy, positive and looking fwd to the future. Life is good. Thanks to every GOOD doctor that doesnt play along with criminals seeking to make billions in psych drugs at the expense of people with a simple to remedy genetic variant impeding b vitamin processing. ❤ before the proper form of b vitamins I could barely get 1500 steps in a day with a lot of effort... now without much effort at all, i easily get ten times that. The other day i got 17,000 steps and felt great! I've learned that a dna test helps to see if people have one copy of relevant variant Gene from one parent (which can mean 30% energy reduction) or two copies, one from each parent, which can mean 70% energy reduction. I'm very curious how many people think they have "chronic fatigue" and dont realize it might be this. This fix is so easy and dramatically life changing that it is well worth ruling out whether we are among the 30-60% of people affected by this.
@@mariefalmouth9302 I love that you are doing this. I've been wanting to revisit doctors who tried to help but were unsuccessful over the years so they can be better informed also. I might do as you suggested and put together some package including current studies on b12 and b9 and relevant genetics and symptoms and turnarounds etc to hopefully drive home the point with greater impact than my personal dramatic health improvement story and hope it let's them help others. Canada right now is trying to threaten natural health products and the livelihoods of the only doctors that managed to make me well. It's very upsetting.
I'm not sure if these comments are still getting a looked at, but I'll ask my question anyway in hope. My question is about the red blood cells. I have a blood disease/disorder called Polycythaemia (Uk spelling) that means my bone marrow creates too many red blood cells and my blood gets too thick. I've had it for quite a few years now. I've recently been told I now have Vit B12 deficiency and will have to have some injections for it. I actually haven't been able to have my normal treatments for the Polycythaemia in over a year due to Covid. I read or watched something that mentioned B12 also affecting the red blood cells and you also touch on it saying it affects the size. So I guess my question is a broad question of how it will be affecting me with the Polycythaemia and B12? Could my Polycythaemia and lack of treatment be a cause for the vit B12 deficiency? Or are they totally separate and not interlinked? I mean I think I eat well enough to get the B12 in my diet. So I'm not sure why I now have this problem. slowly over the past year or 2 I've grown more and more Fatigued, to now where I'm at a point where I can't walk more than approximately 80 meters before having to stop for a rest. I'm exhausted. Feet are numb and tingly. Lower legs below the knee on both legs are stiff as a rock when I have to stop. It's also more so on the right leg to a point where it's now reaching up on the right to my thighs and mid section. I also had a pain in the ball of my right foot like I'd somehow hurt it on the inside, which is strange. I'm also only 43 yrs old. It sucks lol. It would be interesting to see what you thought on this, but if not perhaps someone else with Polycythaemia will read this and share what they have experienced. Cheers in advance for any advice or input. If not, I hope you all have a wonderful 2021 Christmas. Stay safe! Peace
Good information
Hi. Good overview. Thanks for tubing.
Did have trouble reading some of your scribbles and understanding your speech as its fast snd words were run on.I
right. speech. too fast. and reading well.difficult
Thx a lot Dr.
I am 68 & a vegetarian .You ve greatly helped me in getting more clarity with this very well analyzed talk.suffering from these symptoms since 6 mths & consulted a dr on video due covid situation 3 mths back & am taking methylcobalamin as prescribed since then.my condition hasn't much changed .I am on thyroxcin 50 since 2 yrs (hyperthyroidism) .prior 6 mths I was maintaining high level of fitness frequently doing 40- 50 kms cycling & golfing too.now i can barely do 15 minutes walk ! month back my blood test showed 196 as b12 level .I am desperate to get back to cycling & golf . OR is it all due to hyper thyroidism ??request advice. Thank you very much in advance Dr.
My ND said optimal b12 is 800m mine was 140 and I had zero energy also, I could hardly get out of bed. She prescribed i take chewable genestra brand b12 with b9. My bloodwork was very low so she had me chew 2 pills and let it take effect in my mouth for ten minutes before eating or drinking, altho she said water was fine. Regardung energy, I learned B9 (methylfolate) is the fire, b12 (methylcobalamine) is the firewood. In 3 days I woke up rested. My energy returned like when I was a teen or in my 20s. Follow up bloodwork raised my b levels to the 700s, which stabilized everything and I was able to take half the dose daily (just one pill)
Thank you for this information. I have hypothyroidism and was treated with radioactive iodine, since then have never been able to get the right balance of meds used to take levothyroxine couldn't get on with with them got heart palpitations, bloated all over and felt like I had fluid in my lungs. So now taking Cynomel 0.025 mcg still not idea was asked to add 0.010mcg/0.05mcg l. The symptoms you listed for lack of B12 I have all of them. Used to take B complex and I stopped don't know why. How about B 1 can it be taken with the B12?. Wish I had seen this before seeing my endocrinologist would have asked for that specifec B12 blood test. Once again thank you. How about magnesium is it a good supplement for hypothyroidism currently taking floradix magnesium liquid formula.
endocrinologist can be very dangerous. they are so many things they don't know about your immune and how man made metabolic Hormones react with natural Hormones. Steroids cause more Depression Psychosses in America than any other. OTIOPAROSS- cushings induced syndrome- Autoimmune Disease Adrenal shutdown so many other sickness no one could even fathom.
Have Crohn's since 1999 and got labs back a few weeks ago that indicated low b12 levels. First time ever but I knew something was up because I felt tired all the time and started getting headaches which is uncommon for me. I started taking 1000 mcg Methyl B12 a day. Within four days my bowel movements went from one to two daily to four to five daily. I cut down to 250 mcg a day and it went back down to two a day. After a four or five days I went up to 500 mcg then the next day back to 1000 mcg daily. Immediately my bowel movements jumped back up to five. I need to take the B12 but I can't handle the way it makes my stomach feel and the increased bowels movements. Should I try a different kind (hydroxo)? or will the shots help with affecting my stomach? Thanks for any help you can give me.
'Better You' do a spray version of B12, absorbs into the cheek. Great for people who can't tolerate high doses of medicines because of stomach issues....
I use them and they work!
I had all those symptoms. My doctor put me on a B12 vitamin. I am feeling better.
Hi did you get tingling in your legs? How much b12 did you take?
Hi Dr! I have a question… if B12 blood serum level is 303, methylmalonic acid is 87 and MVC is 89, would you consider this low B12 or normal?
Great video...
Is sublingual helpful for someone with pernicious anemia, megalorhomboblastic anemia. Or is IV / IM the only way. Thank you! 🙏❤️
Hello Dr. Childs,
I want to hear your opinion on using B complex including HydroxiCobalomine in IM form. And what would the frequency of injections be?
I am currently looking in CZcams for answers to those questions
Found one yet? i will dought it.
@@trafficjon400 get info yet?
@Dr. Westin Child's have you ever heard of Valproate Acid impacting absorption of B12?
I had tests couple of years ago and found to be low but did not continue taking supplements. Recently, symptoms got worse so I started taking B12 with Methylcobalamin & Adenosylcobalamin 7 weeks ago but I'm still tired and recently my numb foot is numb more regularly.
I have epilepsy and take epilim .... thankyou for this important helpful information 😊
Over 20 years ago I started getting the Myers IV , just to improve my overall health, I told my doctor, how good I felt after the Myers iv I had more energy, but felt relaxed at the same time
He immediately had me do a blood test that came back positive for MTHFR 677
I inject my b vitamins at home now with no medical issue's
My homocysteine levels are good
Is there a potential side effects of long-term B12 usage? Symptoms of shortness of breath and heart palpitations? Should B12 intake be avoided in combination with other supplements, D3 or B6?
Vit B12 is water soluble and leaves your body in urine if you take extra VitB12. Vit D3 and B6 should not be avoided.
Hi Dr. Childs Methylmalonate 0.11 umol/L, Homocysteine 12, B12 183, MVC 80-85. I was given an Intrinsnic Factor antibody test right after having a B12 shot. Tested positive. Iron 46 mcg/L, TIBC 298, Iron Sat 15%, Ferrtin 147. Currently taking Iron 65 mg and B12 1000 mcg. Currently have numbness and tingling. Would love to hear your thoughts. Had a Gastritis/gastroenteritis attack in March and Lung infection in April. Unable to heal. Been a long year.
What if my 20 year old’s MCV level is 91. Would that be a cause for concern? Should he start supplementing with B12? I could not find a homocysteine level on his most recent bloodwork. Yes, he does have many of the symptoms you mentioned. Thanks!
Give him the methylcobalamin, it's completely healthy and practically impossible to overdose on. If he's deficient, you'll be able to tell within days. You can a start with 1000-2000mcg a day
So Westin Childs,
How does one reverse/cure Pernicious Anemia.....
is Pernicious Anemia caused for much of the same reasons as Hashimotos? (like stress, pregnancy, infections, gluten and dairy) ???
should the doctors do the wait and see approach and see that the person's immune system completely destroys intrinsic factor inside the stomach which makes them dependent on intravenous B12 injections for the rest of their life, the same way doctors do the wait and see approach for t1 diabetes and hashimotos and puts them on life-long insulin and thyroxine ?
ok, T1 diabetes has never been prevented but the LADA version of type 1 has.
Good info. Thanks. toronto canada
It is very helpful to me . All the symptoms happen to me. But I have high heamoglobin more than 17 i.e. 17.8 in blood test. Can I use vitamin B12? Please suggest me. Thanks.
Following answer
Thanks, lot of information 😊
Thank you for this 😔
Hi Dr I suggest the writing on your white board be in black so we can see better.Its not clear enough n your writing is too small n hard for me to read.Hope you wil make it clearer in your future videos.Thank you.
Hi Doc, so I'm definitely vit B deficient , have been taking neurobian tabs .. but my under eyes starts twitching with the meds. So I stopped. Is this a normal side effect?
Going to double my in take of Kirkland super B-complex. Thank you
Don't be sorry though. still around
I've had numbness in calves,hands and forearms over 1 year now...thot diabetes,yet only 110lbs and eat healthy. I've stumped Drs ..and after watch your video I have every Every symptom!! I'm 56 and thot maybe menopause?? Thankyou for informing me. There was a time my friend thot maybe fibromyalgia,or Ms??😢😢😢
I relate to your comment so much! I spent 23+ years struggling with these symptoms and doctors were stumped and ratger tha admit they dont know, they delusionally hallucinated that it's all in my head. Finally a switched on GP tested my B12 and an even more savvy ND prescribed the exact correct form of non-synthetic active form methylated b vitamins and it changed my life. I feel like I won the lottery! My energy is ten times what it was! My mood is stable! Brain fog gone! Anxiety gone! I'm so happy. Life begins at 50 for me! I hope you find your miracle too. ♡
Did find a MMA urine lab from life extension and was good. Usually high or high in serum B12, MCV is usually 96-99 for yrs. Feel better if take B12 but methylB12 causes anxiety (dont need more of that). Maybe why I craved liver as a child.
Hi , I only did a blood serum test and it came out 357 pg/ml and i have all symptoms without numbness/tingling and heart palpitations. Is this value an indicator of a low B12 or should i also do MCV and Homocysteine ?
Do the Homocysteine test to see if it’s elevated.
I’m allergic to methylcobalmin. I get urticaria. So it’s difficult to be on supplements.
I’m also a vegetarian because of religious compulsions. What can I do to improve my deficient Vit B-12 levels? Would really appreciate help here because no one has been able to.
Eat a lot of eggs maybe? B-12 really only comes naturally from animal foods.
I have been diagnosed with haemochromatosis , but I have also have B12 deficiency,any suggestions
Dr told me you don’t need more b12 because your B12 level is 230 .But i have all these symptoms, what should I do? Thank you Dr
Me2. What next. I am not tired though
Hey doc, what can I take if I have B12 deficiency prior to total gastrectomy. I have tried to take shots with methyl cianocobalamina, but I don't know the level where I should be. What is the normal level of B12? Which test well show my actual level?
CZcams IS FULL OF VTMS PUSHERS. Company paid .
Could you give me the name of the ingredients you should look for in buying vitamin B12 supplements and the one ingredient you dont want in it. Watching your video was very informative. Thank you
You never find one i never did. no body will. its more of a company pusher for prophet whether it be for you tube or any other.
@@trafficjon400 there are a few companies that do. Write down the 3 active B-12's that he gives in the video and you will find it.
I have a hiatus hernia and have to take Proten Pump inhibiter 30g a day. Lansoprazole am I getting enough B12?
Years ago... tired, low mood, weight gain... diagnosed depression, prescribed Prozac. 10 years later... BP drops/fainting when heart rate elevated... no diagnosis. 2 more years... anemia... numbers under 9; take iron, no change in numbers (stable). A few more years... tingling/numbness in my fingers/hand and forearm... treatment at chiropractor for previous pinched nerve (bone spurs C5 C6 C7. She's the one who suggested I have my B12 checked... not the dr that I had seen for years who had all my records and ordered blood work annually. Now, I can tell when it gets really low. A fast spiral into moodiness, irritability, brain fog, exhaustion gets an extra dose of methylcobalimin and a good night's sleep.
Watch Morley Robins about iron anemia.
Thank You Dr., I'm taking B12. Thyroid Problems. I can't gain weight. I'm 5'8" and weigh 145..
Rose why do you want to put on weight. You don't have an excess of weight.
I'm using Nature Bounty B-12, 1000mcg. Is this the correct brand to use based on your suggestions.
I have been known to b12 deficit. I have ibs and no gall bladder to I get the bile dumps as well. My Dr wouldn't give b12 shots. I don't know why and in his records he states pt insist on shot. Is there a reason not to give it?
Oh and I do have the tingling around my lower legs and periodically my whole body. Also my optic nerve became inflamed and I have lost partially vision in one eye
Hi doc my 17 year son was told he has low b12 and was put on cyanocobalamin by his doctors his symptoms are thumnus and tingling in his face and pains in his belly he's been on his tablets for the last 3 weeks and he's not seeing any improvement how long would it be till he will see some sort of improvement we have asked the doctors and they don't seem to interested
Please see a more informed doctor. My Naturopathic Doctor has degrees in biochemistry and is also genetically aware. She takes low b12 very seriously. She also had me take a DNA test which she took the raw data from and had it translated by an epigenetics company she trusts. She prescribed non-synthetic active form methylated B vitamins. It happened to be Genestra brand chewable b12 (metgylcobalanin) with b9 (methylfolate). I chewed 2 daily until my blood levels corrected. In three days I woke up better rested than I had been in years and I was bouncing out of bed full of energy to take on the day. I wish your son well, I'm glad if you will continue advocating for him. I hope you will drop any doctor that recommends cyanocobalamine (it bothers my stomach too, especially when I eat north american wheat which is "fortified" with that cheap synthetic crap which bothers 30% of people and instead Look into finding an ND that is biochemically and genetically aware to help finetune what will help your son. A DNA test can be very revealing and once he is one the correct form and dosage it can be life changing for the better if tge common genetic variants are his specific problem. ♡
Best doctor
A very helpful video. I have epilepsy and through comments i found my medication inhibits B12. I need my meds but now i know i need a B12 as i have suffered for many years and it has had a huge inpact on my life. I was so tiered and weak and i was told this is because i have depression.
I have seen patients with serum B12 levels>1000, who do not take supplemental B12 How do you explain this? TIA
Dr, what if B12 in blood test are extremely high, does it mean no b12 can be taken or used by the body or brain?
Yes I want to know this too. As my dr told me my B12 levels are too high and to cut back on supplements but I barely supplement at all and have signs of a deficiency. I don’t think I’m absorbing it properly.
@@PandaA-cv3mm Yes you are not absorbing it properly. The book Dirty Genes talks about this in detail.
I do have pernicious anomia, don't respond to oral supliments, am injecting weekly with cyanocobalamin. Should I switch to a metho or adeno form of injections if I can even find such a thing?
You should, yes.
My fmd gave me b12 injections and they are the cheap version that are junk. I actually purchase a b complex from pure encapsulations that has all of the methyl versions. I tried the injections a few times and they broke my face out.
How low should b12 be to get psychosis?
Any foods you can eat to prevent B12 deficiency in the first place?
No I’ve tried it. It won’t work that way b12 leaves fast and needs replenished a lot more daily
I've had B- 12 deficiency and had to take B-12 injections. Can certain medications. Give you B-12 Deficiency and also Anemia I'm 55 yrs old now and take certain prescription medications
Acid reflux medicine can give you b12 loss
AAFP: “Vitamin B12 deficiency is a common cause of megaloblastic anemia, various neuropsychiatric symptoms, and other clinical manifestations. Screening average-risk adults for vitamin B12 deficiency is not recommended. Screening may be warranted in patients with one or more risk factors, such as gastric or small intestine resections, inflammatory bowel disease, use of metformin for more than four months, use of proton pump inhibitors or histamine H2 blockers for more than 12 months, vegans or strict vegetarians, and adults older than 75 years. Initial laboratory assessment should include a complete blood count and serum vitamin B12 level. Measurement of serum methylmalonic acid should be used to confirm deficiency in asymptomatic high-risk patients with low-normal levels of vitamin B12.”
And does this lack of B12 cause tumours and polyneuropathy?
I need. A good Dr too. My Dr tests me for certain stuff you know like A-1C Levels. and other stuff for anemia and vitamin D Deficiency but i need to get my back checked for arthritis and osteoporosis because my mom and sister has and had it my 36 year old son has lots of back pains too.
Left eye twitching 3mths, numbness fingers, muscle jerking toe cramps at nite, brain fog, dizziness, staggering when walking dr did full blood test said it was normal😮
I couldnt see b12 tested on my test, I'm worried that this is something sinister 😮
Personally, after experiencing what a dramatic difference the proper form of b12 and b9 made to my health, energy, sleep, digestion, neurotransmitters, and more, and learning that 30% of people are genetically predispositioned to struggle with converting b vitamins into usable form, I cant help but feel the same way about how sinister that b12 tests aren't standard tests and so many GPs are too busy pushing big pharma "solutions" (which dont work) when the real fix is so simple as methylated b vitamins! This should be criminal malpractice.
How do B12 injections compare to oral supplements? Would you recommend them? Without a methyl problem is sublingual “c” form okay?
The oral supplements are cheaper than B12 injections. The oral supplements work.
If you do not have a problem with absorption than yes you can take the sublingual.
Can you please tell me if they include the forms of B12 you recommended, do B12 shots help for B12 deficiency?
I'm not sure who they are that you are referring to?
I got a B12 shoot and I felt much better. Definitely faster that pills.
@@drwestinchilds If B12 shots have the B12s you recommended do they help with B12 deficiency? I can't find any good info on B12 shots. I have tried the supplement form and am still deficient. Thank you:)
@@wendyramsey5335 Oh, yes, of course! I think B12 shots are better but they aren't always available.
@@drwestinchilds Awesome:) thank you so much
I take cyanocobalamin injections s/c once a week but just increased it to every other day as I had muscle and joint pain and extreme fatigue. My grandfather died of pernicious anemia caused dementia, discovered on autopsy. I wonder why hospitals in Canada and the US ( I have worked as a nurse in both countries) if cyanocobalamin injectables if methyl is so much better? I can get methyl in Canada from a compounding pharmacy at about 10 times the cost. I used methyl for one year and did not notice any difference. Maybe I don’t have the gene that prevents cyano from being metabolized???
You can do 23&me to test for the VitB12 metabolism gene.
how much should i take
This is crazy. My B 12 was 1550 and 1245 is at the highest. But then my MCV is 95, being above 90 is a risk for B12 deficiency. So what am I supposed to do with that? Just not except the B 12 reading since you said it’s not a good indicator
my MCV IS ALWAYS IN THE 90S i do drink a lot of coffee its usually 91-93 should i get a b 12 supp i have had a few of these symptoms and my drs always tell me im fine
Get homocysteine tested.
Do you need to test for it before taking the b12?
How much dosage should we get for severe symptoms
He cant prescribe willynilly over the internet. People will still have to do a little bit of homework to determine the specifics of their personal situation. I got a blood test and a dna test. My ND prescribed me twice chewable non-synthetic active form methylated b12 with b9 (happened to be genestra brand but other brands are likely fine so long as correct form). As my blood levels were low and I had dna variants inhibiting methylation, I took 2 of the chewable for a few months and when blood came up and I also got symptoms of too much b12, we cut dose in half which I take daily now. Feel like a teenager again, with great health.
Hi Dr. Thank you for this precious info. I would really appreciate if you can shed some light on my situation🙏🏻 Does the recovery from b12 deficiency take months or the problem for my symptoms is somethimg else? My initial B12 was 300 and now its over 2000. I got 35 B12 shots of cyanocobalamin every other day over two months(sublingual pill didn’t help) and only now I feel much better but a few symptoms still persists such as Telogen Effluvium(hundreds of hairs fall out each day,eyebrows hairs and lashes. the derm thought its stress related.), White smooth tongue and white ridged nails ,tingling in feet,GI issues and memory issues. My dr doesn’t know what the cause. My blood tests are good. Thyroid hormones are perfect but something is wrong. something that affects my hair, nails and memory. My father have some of my symptoms and his B12 was 210 and he eats meat everyday. All of my life I was completely healthy and now so many symptoms without an explanation. Do you think I need to check for homocysteine and MMA although I got many injections? maybe the cyano form is less effective? Thank you!!
You should have an ANA test, sounds like Lupus.
@@crickettmoon7082 Luckily, I don’t have lupus. Unfortunately, I have an horrible autoimmune skin disease
Yes check for homocysteine.If it’s elevated take methyl-vit B12 sublingual, methyl-folate & P-5-P. It could be your body could not absorb VitB12, the methyl group has to be added to VitB12.
He said in the video that Cyanocobalamin is not good you need one or all of the other 3 he mentioned.
Hi. I am one month on hypothyroid horrible med n have bad side effects. Weak. One day v bad vomiting. Nausea. Confusion. Numbness n tingling hinextremeties..but I hop they pass. Normal count here is ,4 to 7 and I got 10! I take the recommended supplements. But DO YOU THINK I COULD TRY B12? Im too weak to go back to doctor again n not really bothered in general. I've lost all social contacts n get agitated if ppl keep leaving msgs as I leave my phone off. Hair falling out in clumps. I'm overweight yet losing a bit I think. I desperate for energy boost. Have good fried like carer! So I eat OE veg. Potato lentil meal in day n banana. Brutal sweats . n cold sensitive. Depression off scale ...there is a reason making this worse as a very special person I've loved a long time is dying slowly n I can't travel so far to say goodbye. I live in a foreign country n not fluent yet..but I manage! I'm one month on lowest dose n doc said it be "cruel" go any higher until bloods retested in another months time. I take other meds that r contraindicated...so I'm guessing reverse as u explained n reading not accurate possibly🙈, it's.15 AM here n I haven't slept yet. This is normal two weeks into tablets. Can't work. Sleep half of day. I am studying in detail so when I can get to the doctor I have ducks in row. ! THANK YOU FOR HELPING PPL HELP THEMSELVES N THEIR DOCTORS. I've had this a long time...as been quite suck for a year or so. Just like acute bronchitis. Constant throat n swallowing problems I'm too are viral or else MORE ANTIBIOTICS😮 . I lose my balance a lot. Had bad accident n had brain n spinal cord MRIs normal but spine fractures n serious concussion. This is when problems started. But had major trauma event apart from my friend. Stress got me n the fall! I am non smoker. Non drinker! Can't win!!!!!! Better shut up now. Thank you again.
There's virtually no downside to using B12 as even if you don't need it it's basically impossible to take too much. This is typically why it's better to just take it instead of testing for it.
@@drwestinchilds you answered my question..thank you...I wondered about taking too much liquid
Thanks
Wow i appreciate it
Can you recommend a good B12 Supplement to take? Thank you for info!
This is the one that I use and recommend but you can find others which are similar as long as they have the active forms I mentioned in the video: www.restartmed.com/product/power-b-complex/
@@drwestinchilds I thought B12 had to be sublingual because stomach acid would wipe it out.
Crap. I'm on m e
Metformin, stuff for gerd and i can't feel my feet or hands. Hard to walk