b12, methylation, and mercury

[Guest guest]

Hi,

A friend's son has recently had a nutritional panel done and has

come back with B12 deficiency. He has been following a fairly strict

NT diet for the past 6 months or so. He doesn't show signs of leaky

gut, although they haven't specifically tested for intestinal

permeability, his stools have good levels of bacteria and he has no

constipation or diarrhea.

As a baby he was on Zantac for six months. I've read that antiacids

can cause a b12 deficiency due to messing with stomach acids. I also

know that b12 acts as a brain detoxifier, so we're wondering about

mercury toxicity (child was nearly fully vaxed). He shows some trace

mineral deficiencies, and is taking some enzymes and other

supplements to help with methylation of b12.

My question is whether anyone knows wheter intestinal inflammation

can lead to b12 deficiency. It makes sense to me that poor

intestinal flora might affect stomach acid (and the Zantac might

have contributed as well) and thereby inability to methylate the

b12.

Thoughts much appreciated.