B12 - what should it be?

[BananaLamah]

Mine is 300 and I have all sorts of worrying symptoms. The doctor says it’s over 190 so it’s fine. But other sources are saying it should be more like 400-500 and I’m low enough to have symptoms?

I had a whole list of symptoms when my level was 330. It took 4 years, 2 lots of Covid and many blood tests before it dropped enough that they would treat me (145).

I had loading doses in May and have an intrinsic factor test early next month. They'll decide then if they'll do injections every 12 weeks. If not I'm doing it myself!

Burning and painful muscles. Twitching all over. Doctors can’t find anything wrong other than mild vitamin deficiencies.

I have coeliac and have been gluten free for a decade, never had a problem. Doctors checked my blood and coeliac is under control. They even did an endoscopy to make sure.

You can also buy B12 patches to stick on your skin, if you don't want to inject yourself. Amazon sell them. I top myself up with them.

I didn't realise tinnitus could be due to low vit b12.

Those saying 300 is still too low, what number should OP be aiming for?

The normal range for b12 is 190 to over 900. I have 3 monthly injections from my gp and just before the three months is up my levels are 600. I still have symptoms at that level and that is why they still give me the injections. The nurse decided to stop them but I successfully argued that as the range is so large they didn't know what was normal for me.

Coeliac will prevent absorption of both vit d and b12 via stomach - there is no point taking b12 tabs you need injections

you also need higher strength vit d - ask your gp and then retest in three months

I got my B12 done recently as it came back at 200 which apparently is with normal range.

I tire easily and felt very off. I got an injection from pharmacy which l paid for privately. In UK, most people have low vitamin D l was told.

What was your B12 before the injections?

Apologies for hijacking thread.

I don't know, they didn't test until it was below 190 and I could barely function. Literally I was exhausted getting out of bed in the morning, I couldn't do the simplest task at work. I went to my gp because I thought I was having a breakdown. Constant migraines. It's taken years to get me to the point where I am 600 just before my next injection and with my latest blood test results they have prescribed iron and folic acid tablets as well.

In fairness I am falling apart, I am also taking thyroxine and have just been approved for cataract surgery

Do you have a link to where you buy the injections from please like a specific one. I know you can buy them from German Amazon but it's too confusing.

My b12 was 91 had the two week loading doses and just had my first one after 3 months but it only really lasts 2 months then I'm exhausted,brain fog etc

When they were talking about stopping mine I told them that in three months I would be back unable to walk and they would have to sign me off sick. They decided to keep them going. Cheaper I guess. They do check my levels every now and then. But they seem to do that to check that my levels are good and not low or too high. But if they did stop them I would pay for them.

I find that once a month is my natural preference - it’s like I get a feeling and urge for a dose abd lo, it’s usually 4-6 weeks since the last one

the nhs does not provide easily or enough - it’s why I just buy my own for pennies and jab myself

It’s a disgrace - b12 ampules are sold OTC in so many countries, it’s a safe water soluable vitamin there is no need for people to suffer

The vit D isn’t absorbing very well either. They just keep prescribing me pills though. The issue is I have no idea what’s exactly causing the problem. Vit B, vit D, something else… 😩