Unexplained B12/folic deficiency

[betwelve]

I've been to the doctor a month ago because I was having symptoms like extreme fatigue, weakness, brain fog, breathlessness etc. They ran blood tests which showed a bad B12 deficiency and also low folic acid and a high red blood cell count. They asked me questions around my diet, other medications etc.

The thing is, I eat what I consider to be a very balanced and healthy diet. I eat a diet based on fresh vegetables, dairy and beans/lentils. I cook from fresh and snack on fruit, for breakfast I have Greek yoghurt with linseed and frozen berries or kefir. I eat green vegetables every day and I don't overcook them. I don't drink, I don't smoke. I don't eat sugar. But I felt they were suggesting I either drink or have a very poor diet. The local area has people who struggle financially so I expect many/the majority of patients don't have a great diet, but I am lucky to not be in this position.

I've had a blood test for pernicious anaemia which I believe has come back negative because they haven't called me back in.

Poor diet - I disagree
Drinking/drug use - no
Medication - not on any medication
Pernicious anaemia - excluded by blood test

So I feel the B12/folic deficiency is unexplained, whereas the doctor seemed to be taking the position that it was down to poor diet or possible drinking.

I've had the loading B12 injections and now I'll have one every two months indefinitely. I still don't have a great improvement in my symptoms so far, maybe just slight. I still have fatigue and the other symptoms.

I queried an underlying condition and the doctor said it didn't matter because the outcome and treatment (B12 injections) would be the same anyway.

Acc. to google the red blood cell count is normally low with B12 deficiency, but mine is high.

If anyone has any thoughts, I'd welcome them.
Also, I would like to get private blood tests to see how my B12 levels are now that I've had some injections, and some more comprehensive tests just to try and spot anything "off", how long should I leave that?

Thanks.

you either aren’t eating what you need or aren’t able to absorb it due to poor gut health

I eat meat and dairy, there’s nothing wrong my gut - I’m just one of those people who don’t absorb very well

This was me, took supplements for a year with no improvement but no pernicious anaemia. I have injections every 3 months. I feel much better. My go checked with kidney/liver specialist to check it was ok and it’s made a big difference.

Me too. Mainly vegetarian but do eat fish occasionally so I’ve decided to increase that, along with eggs and take the supplements to see if it helps. Low iron (borderline anemic), low b12 and low folate. It gave me a bit of a shock as I regard myself as pretty healthy, but clearly not.

Hi OP,

i started taking active iron womens supplement - there is a pink multivitamin and then a separate iron tablet ( 20 mg)
I have improved my iron a lot and they do not hurt my stomach! Perfect for a veggie diet.
Unfortunately eating green leafy veggies and pulses will not always ensure you are meeting your needs

Dietitian here, it is really really hard to get enough b12 on a vegetarian diet without supplements (I am also a vegetarian). Eggs won’t be enough. Fortified foods or supplements are needed usually.

“I’m one of those people who don’t absorb it well” = sort your gut. Start with chewing your food more, perhaps digestive bitters. If you aren’t vegetarian than take a deep dive into your gut health

Do you mind me asking why your gp had to check about your liver and taking b12?

I'm another in the b12 deficiency gang. I have a tumour on my liver that was diagnosed years ago. I've been having b12 injections since December and I notice that I'm getting pain in the tumour site. Your post has got me wondering if it's linked to the b12.

I'm also interested to read about the folic acid... I'm feeling really knackered and run down. Injection isn't really making me feel any improvement this time. I might give that a go too.

I'm sure perimenopause isn't helping either. I could weep, honestly.

So interesting to read this. I am exactly the same. I'm veggie and never had problems even while pregnant.
I thought I was losing it and was really struggling. My hair was thinning, my brain was foggy, I was tired all the time.

GP was fab and I'm now 6 months post tests and 5 months post injections etc. I would say I started feeling better after 2/3 months.
I had the prescription first but now buy online as it's cheaper. I'm not amazing at remembering to take the supplements but I guess as I have been restored by the initial injections and supplements then I'm ok to skip a day here and there.

Hope you start feeling a difference soon. @betwelve

If that advice worked, I’m sure my GP would have mentioned it, rather than giving me regular injections!

GPs are miles behind on gut health. In about twenty years I’m sure they might suggest this.

im trying to help. No worries if you don’t want it!

Google MTHFR gene - you may have it.

Take methylated folate and b12

OP ( and others!) Are you on Facebook? If so please please join vitamin B12 wake up group. It is the most informative, supportive group to help you understand everything B12 related. And folate and iron and vitamin D!

It's opened my eyes to so much stuff

I know this is a bit late, but how do you feel now?! Been tested and have a folate level of 1.5 and I feel horrible. Dizzy, cognitive impairment, faint, heart palpitations it's just horrific. I've been give a supplement but I feel so ill all the time!

I was vegetarian for 20 years and have been vegan for 10 years and I’ve never been deficient, even without vitamin supplements for most of that time. I think you are sensible to want further tests to check your levels and for anything else that could be wrong.