B12 Deficiency - any advice?

[ginandoreos]

Hi, I went to the doctor with symptoms I associated with peri-menopause. Depleted energy levels, always tired, brain fog, forgetfulness. Low sex drive. Lack of sleep - disrupted sleep. Mood changes. Last week at work I stood up quickly and almost blacked out.

I went for a blood test and the only one that has been flagged up is b12. The level is 154. I have a follow up call with the doctor next week.

Around a year and a half ago I did follow quite a strict vegetarian diet of vegetables, lentils - I still ate dairy products - rice, grains etc - I felt like I was eating a balanced diet. I’m wondering if this has triggered the low b12. I do now eat chicken and fish but not red meat.

My mum used to work in a lab (about 50 years ago!) and said something about the shape/size of my blood cells being slightly high (MCV).

I just wondered if anyone has had a similar experience, what the next steps may be - and any advice. Thanks!

It's quite amazing isn't it! It makes such a difference.

I'm glad you're feeling better, it's horrid.

B12 is only found in animal products or fortified foods / supplements. So yes a vegetarian diet could lead to a low status.

Large red blood cells can be a sign of megaloblastic anaemia - a sign of B12 and/or folate deficiency.

Get some B12 supplements and check with your GP for any further requirements for rectify.

Sorry just seen that you’re getting treatment and this is an old thread!

That’s great OP. My GP actually told me that everyone should be supplementing with it as the soil is now so depleted that it’s impossible to get adequate B12 even for meat eaters.

I'm so glad to hear it! I remember suddenly feeling almost normal again and starting to care about things, being able to stand by the sink and do things rather than stare into space and feel like dying! I am a huge advocate for B12 over antidepressants and often wonder how many people are stuck never knowing a simple blood test could be life-changing.

I find my tongue starts swelling again about 1 month after each injection, so ideally I would like B12 more frequently than every 2 months but at least you know how different you can feel now, so can monitor yourself.