Guest guest Posted December 21, 2008 Report Share Posted December 21, 2008 Must be careful with B12 deficiency as nerve damage can be permanent even after the deficiency is handled. B12 is interesting in that the only source we have is either red meat or pills or injection. The original source is bacterial in the soil, which is picked up by reuminating animals, such as cattle. The metabolism of B12 from the oral route is interesting that it must be combined in the stomach with a protein known as " intrinsic factor " that is produced by stomach tissues, in the correct pH level. True " pernicious anemia " , a major anemia due to lack of intrinsic factor production, is caused when a person does not produce IF. In those cases the only way to get the B12 into the body is via injection, bypassing the B12/IF complexation. Any B12 injested not combined with IF is just wasted out the bowel. Other forms are where there is a malabsorbtion of the B12/IF complex in the small intestines. So, people with Chron's disease may have B12 deficiency. Good news for those with normal IF production in the stomach and normal Intestinal absorbtion is that the B12 is actually recycled back into the stream and with enough IF, so dietary decrease, it takes awhile before you run out. Have not kept up, but last I know there also was a condition where autoantibodies were produced against Intrinsic Factor (IF). So, it could be another of those cross over things we are seeing. So, tests used are B12 levels, Shillings Test to check for IF availability and Anti Intrinsic Factor antibody to look if an antibody is using up all the IF so the B12 has nothing to bind to. Then there is always the " who cares why " but replace with regular injections usually resolves the problem. Diff Docs have different thoughts, so always bring to your docs and follow their advice. See, the mind is still here and funtioning. Fuzzy > > Hi , > B-12 actually helps you make new red blood cells, that carry oxygen to your body. Low B-12 causes several different forms of anemia. It is interesting that your Still's symptoms get worse when you have taken B- 12. I am sure thats why your docs are baffled. Low B-12 causes tiredness, fatigue, weakness, and if it stays low for to long can cause nerve damage. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 21, 2008 Report Share Posted December 21, 2008 Remember that strict " vegans " will always require oral B12 supplements. Any thing else needs to be closely monitored by your docs. I have been totally gorked and out of it for almost a week so no sure how involved your doc has been, make sure he/she is up to speed. Hugs to ya'll Fuzzy > > Once again, you amaze me Fuzzy! Fuzzy wazn't so fuzzy wazzy?. Glad to have you back. I hope you stay here and things calm down for you health wise. > Meanwhile, the upshot is I should go ahead and take the B12 even though it makes me feel like C--- for awhile. Will do. Thank you both and Tom. Your knowledge is awesome and welcome! > in tx > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 21, 2008 Report Share Posted December 21, 2008 Thanks Tom for your information about Vitamin B12. I am going to get my level checked after Christmas I hadn't realized vitamins were so important. Do hope you feel a lot better very soon All the best Joan U.K. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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