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Original poster

High levels of B12 and scared stiff

50 replies

Josiekitty · 14/12/2022 19:18

A few months ago a routine blood test showed high levels of B12 in my blood. I don't eat meat, only drink milk. I was taking a multivitamin so the GP asked me to stop and be retested. I stopped but my levels have risen again plus my blood count is borderline. I have been asked to go back in 4 weeks for a retest. I am so worried as everything I have googled points to leukaemia or other cancers. has anyone been through the same? Thanks so much xx

OP posts:
RunLolaRun102 · 14/12/2022 20:23

I’m assuming you’re young? If so it’s more likely to be diabetes

Original poster
Josiekitty · 23/12/2022 19:46

No I am 55 so worrying a lot as I have young kids😰

OP posts:
vivainsomnia · 24/12/2022 14:35

How long between the tests? It takes 4 months for artificial b12 to leave the system. Most multi vitamins have b12 as do cereals and other products.

How high are your levels? 1000ish or 3000ish

Original poster
Josiekitty · 29/12/2022 13:41

Hi they have gone from 900 to 1000 in two months without taking any supplements or eating meat. I stopped taking multi vitamins after the first test. The only thing I consume with B12 is milk (about a pint a day in coffee/tea). The doctor has asked me to retest next week but the more I read, the more worried I get.

OP posts:
Reilop · 29/12/2022 13:43

Check if you have the mthfr gene mutation

vivainsomnia · 29/12/2022 14:48

I thought 1000 was not considered outrageously high. Some bread, eggs, and other products have added b12 and you would still have the effect of the previous vitamins if less than 4 months between the two tests. Was you mchc result normal?

forlornlorna1 · 29/12/2022 14:55

Do you eat a lot if fortified cereal. We had a high b12 reading for my dd that turned out to be because she eats a couple of bowls of cereal a day. Just a thought x

Essebou · 31/12/2022 17:15

Hi I’ve not heard of this. What is it?

fitnessmummy · 04/01/2023 23:19

Any update?

Nimbostratus100 · 04/01/2023 23:21

Reilop · 29/12/2022 13:43

Check if you have the mthfr gene mutation

You say that as if you are checking a bus time table, not requiring a GP referral to a genetics consultant who would discuss and evaluate before deciding whether to fund the test, which would take a couple of months......

gulliblestravels · 04/01/2023 23:27

@Nimbostratus100

idk, @Reilop is just raising awareness, signposting. For all we know the OP can book private tests/see a consultant privately.

YNK · 04/01/2023 23:38

That level is completely normal if you're supplementing!

Are you sure he is a real doctor?

Utedriver · 05/01/2023 02:03

Sometimes levels above 500 are aimed for.
MTHFR is relevant with regard to methylation of folate not B12 and even then the evidence is not great.
Why do you think the GP is a he?

Sarahcoggles · 05/01/2023 09:40

Your B12 is normal.

Rainbowgirrl · 10/08/2023 11:44

High B12 is not dangerous, you just pee out what you don't need and your body will store the rest. You can't get cancer from high B12.

If your B12 test is a serum B12 test that measures the active and inactive B12 in the body. There is a test that can now be taken called an Active B12 test which shows a better measure. But if levels are high there is nothing to worry about. The World Health Organisation have no recorded cases of a B12 overdose.

I have to self inject it for my body to function and my levels are over 2000.

Original poster
Josiekitty · 10/08/2023 21:57

Taking a high dose isn’t harmful but a high level in blood without supplements can indicate something serious

OP posts:
Tulipvase · 10/08/2023 22:04

Did you get any answers from your second test?

Original poster
Josiekitty · 11/08/2023 09:03

Hi I missed the test but had another a month ago. It was normal however I had a private appointment for another concern. They tested my active B12 which was high again. No other tests have been offered other than retesting next month. I don’t have any symptoms of anything but my wbc is also high. They say the findings are ‘non specific’ so will keep an eye on them. I wish I’d never found out in the first place as the constant retesting is making me feel so anxious 😕

OP posts:
Tulipvase · 11/08/2023 13:29

Josiekitty · 11/08/2023 09:03

Hi I missed the test but had another a month ago. It was normal however I had a private appointment for another concern. They tested my active B12 which was high again. No other tests have been offered other than retesting next month. I don’t have any symptoms of anything but my wbc is also high. They say the findings are ‘non specific’ so will keep an eye on them. I wish I’d never found out in the first place as the constant retesting is making me feel so anxious 😕

I understand your concern, it would be good to know one way or another!

My issue is low B12, mines 118 so I could do with some of yours! Just waiting for more tests to find out why.

Hope you get an answer soon.

Rainbowgirrl · 13/08/2023 22:49

@Josiekitty have you read that high level in blood is serious or has the doctor said that.?

B12 has no upper limit of toxicity, it is water soluble. Whatever your body doesn't use is peed out. If you have had a b12 serum test this tests for active and inactive b12 so can give a higher than accurate measurement anyway. You honestly do not need to be worried about high b12. If anything it's a good place to be.

PoppyBlunt · 17/08/2023 23:59

What was your active b12 level @Josiekitty?

Original poster
Josiekitty · 18/08/2023 10:39

Hi it was 265

OP posts:
Rainbowgirrl · 21/08/2023 21:56

@Josiekitty that is not high honestly you should not be worried about that. Who told you that was high..?

There is no upper limit for b12 you can't overdose on it. What your body doesn't need/absorb it will just secrete in urine. There is no record of anyone ever overdosing on b12.

I am on every other day b12 injections and I test over 2000.

Rainbowgirrl · 21/08/2023 22:00

@Josiekitty you will be having b12 in things you might not realise as it is added to cereal and other foods. It's not a bad thing to be high unless your folate and iron are low as it won't be able to get processed to its fullest.

PoppyBlunt · 22/08/2023 21:19

Mine's similar @Josiekitty it's a worry isn't it.

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