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General health

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Original poster

vitamin b12

6 replies

EllenandBump · 15/12/2011 20:24

has anyone else ever had a blood test that came back that you were seriously low in B12 and low in folic acid (the folic acid is caused by my anti convulsants possibly) and what does it really mean. the doctor was talking about crohns disease and auto immune stuff. dont really get it though.

OP posts:

Crawling · 16/12/2011 10:21

I have recently my levels were 90 my folic was also very low. B12 is a vitamin in animal products usually you have at least 3 years worth of stores in your liver. It is very hard to become deficient so there is usually a cause. Vegans or vegetarians or someone who drinks alot also taking alot of antacids can cause it. If these are not a issue then it is usually caused by pernicous anemia (a autoimmune disease) or a stomach problem like crohns I think.

Before you become deficient (before a blood test will show this)you can suffer pychiatric problems, and after words neurological problems also a range of physical problems like tired, sore mouth faint or dizzy and just general unwell. Can I ask why you take anti convulsants?

Bubbaloo · 17/12/2011 15:24

My vitamin b12 deficiency was diagnosed around 8 years ago,via a 24hr urine collection and my folate levels are also very low.
I take folic acid every day to help with the tiredness and have b12 jabs every 3 months.
I was originally tested for IBS related symptoms.

Original poster

EllenandBump · 17/12/2011 15:56

I take the anti convulsant lamortigine as i am epileptic, and have taken it for the last 6 years since being diagnosed. I have been precribed folic acid, and was originally on it when i started on the lamotrigine but was taking off of it following the birth of my son. x

OP posts:

desertgirl · 17/12/2011 16:29

really, does lamotrigine do that? (also diagnosed with epilepsy 6 years ago, also on lamotrigine, though (touch wood) no seizures since the four or so I had that led to diagnosis). Why were you tested - symptoms, or because of the drug?

Original poster

EllenandBump · 17/12/2011 16:46

I was tested because of the symptoms. They thought it might be me struggling with my PND and that they may have to increase the dosage of my citalopram. Lamotrigine can drain you of folic acid, or thats what they have put that down to, but B12 deficency cannot be put down to lamotrigine. I think it also depends on the dosage which you are on. I take currently 225mg morning and 200mg night. x

OP posts:

desertgirl · 17/12/2011 17:44

Good luck - I hope they figure out whatever is going on and can fix it for you :)

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