Vitamin B12 deficiency, what is going on?

[Anna70]

I apologise for failing to write a proper, coherent message about this, as this is such a huge topic and I would not be able to do it justice, but I would urge everyone to look into B12 for a number of reasons:

- A B12 deficiency can be the root cause of a wide variety of debilitating diseases and disorders (which I'll never manage to fully list here if I want to get round to posting this general message to get the ball rolling!)

- Not everyone is able to absorb it from food or oral supplements, and this ability decreases with age. (Some types of gastric surgery affect this as well.)

- The B12 store in the body can be depleted by stress, alcohol, and certain medications, including nitrous oxide, the 'laughing gas' often used as a sedative in dentistry.

- B12 deficiency often is not tested for at all, but if it is, the blood tests are not 100% reliable. A lack of B12 can be masked by abundant folate or the synthetic folic acid that is added to many foods and multivitamins, or by a shortage of iron.

- Therefore the symptoms are important to be aware of. See Dr Chandy's self-test (http://www.b12d.org/admin/healthcheck/diagnosticcalculator) to get an idea of possible clues.

- Injectable B12 is cheap to make and safe to use.

- Many doctors aren't interested or in complete denial of its importance.

- Patients have been denied this essential treatment, or have had it greatly reduced, more so during the so-called pandemic.

- People have had to form support networks to help each other with advice on symptoms, self-treatment, and finding suppliers that don't charge the earth. There is currently a petition (https://www.change.org/p/ian-hudson-please-make-our-life-saving-injectable-vitamin-b12-hydroxocobalamin-available-over-the-counter) (informational links at bottom of that page) to have injectable B12 made available in the UK without a prescription. (In Germany it is readily and cheaply available online. In the UK some pharmacies will do them via a scheme, but at a minimal of £27 per shot they're expensive and limited to one per month, which is no good when loading doses are required.)

I cannot help but wonder if something fishy is going on with this situation unnecessarily hurting and killing people. I also have a feeling, though I could be wrong, that some cases of vaccine damage (not just the gene therapy shots) may be caused by the body's B12 stores being depleted in an attempt to deal with the toxins.

I read that B12 has helped in cases of Bell's Palsy, which has been mentioned as a Covid 'vaccine' side effect, which made me wonder if it is especially those who are low in B12 that are most affected by the jabs. And it made me wonder if B12 could play a large part in the treatment of those side effects. It is speculation on my part, but it seems worth looking into.

Recommended film about Sally Pacholok (https://b12awareness.org/sally-pacholok-the-movie/?fbclid=IwAR0NRyIiwc2fs3QYRq1STvm0x09YphTNy1a3H-AfX2-wXlQhV-mOLXS0TTI), author of 'Could It Be B12?'. This is a very informative watch, as it shows many of the symptoms through the different characters, and it gives an insight in the faults of the system.

OvMxJ6GRBNQ

Vernon Coleman wrote this article (https://vernoncoleman.com/b12corona.htm) about patients, including his wife, being denied this cheap treatment, with detrimental consequences. (There was a video too, but I cannot find it anymore.)


There is so much more to this, with genetics, different types of B12, and co-factors coming into it, and experts contradicting each other over folate and folic acid, so it's like opening Pandora's Box, but it's one that needs looking into.

[Journeyman]

Hope that means you've found an answer to your question Anna :)

I'd only add that if you've found you've a B12 deficit, or a different one for that matter, it's a good idea to also ask 'why'? Of course it could be related to deficiencies in diet or the aging process, but it could also be a symptom of something else, like Coeliac or other conditions.

[Anna70]

Thank you so much Journeyman. Oh, how I wish I had a straightforward answer to that!

I don't remember ever having had much energy, even as a child. I became a vegetarian in 1992, but have been supplementing (a bit on and off to begin with I confess, but more consistently over the past number of years). Was diagnosed with CFS/ME in 2015, after what I thought was my third burnout, brought on by excessive work related stress (including organising legal proceedings on behalf of 20 colleagues, at the same time as I was doing the intensive training for a new job, which in the end proved to be too stressful in its own right), but this time it never lifted.

When I finally got some specialist care, I learned about to managing energy in order to prevent 'pay back time' afterwards. The emphasis was on adrenalin and cortisol, although these were never measured, and vitamin B12 hardly even got a look in.

I had tested a bit below normal, back then, but some sub-lingual drops apparently brought my level to normal, and that was that. They made me feel somewhat better but not very much, but I did feel some (false?) sense of security that my B12 was ok.

Then I found what I thought were the perfect multivitamin capsules online. They contained an enormous amount of B12, as well as lots of other things, and I stopped taking the drops.

Early 2020 I had a dental implant done (never trust a fruit biscuit!), and two to three weeks afterwards I started getting a most awful bitter taste in my mouth. Went back to get it checked twice, only to be told it was healing well, and maybe an adjacent crown had been knocked during the procedure, but for that I would have to see my own dentist. Finally got an appointment with her two months ago, but she too could not find evidence of a dental cause. She did however urge me to get my GP to have my blood checked for all types of anaemia, as well as diabetes, thyroid, the usual suspects.

During the days I had to wait for my phone appointment with my GP, I started reading up on the various types of anaemia, and I started recognising a large number of symptoms that fitted the B12 deficiency. Many of these had seemed quaint little issues to me, and unrelated to each other: pins and needles in mainly my lower legs, and a burning sensation, similar to how it feels when you're sitting just a bit too close to a fire, not unpleasant, I thought.... I also had this odd buzzing/humming noise in my head/ears, a bit like the sound of the wind and sometimes changing as if going through cycles like a washing machine. Sore and dry eyes. Random muscle twitches. Heart palpitations. Worsened fatigue, clumsiness and brain fog, which I'd pre-pigeonholed under typical CFS/ME. I learned that some of these symptoms could be indications of neuropathy, as the protective myelin sheath is broken down, and if this is left untreated, permanent nerve damage may occur.

But how could this be when I'd been taking these capsules? Then I learned that not everyone can absorb B12 properly via the stomach. Could that be why those drops seemed to do something, but the capsules with their huge amount of B12 weren't doing anything at all? Worse still, the capsules contained a generous amount of folic acid, which not only can mask a B12 deficiency, but some say that this could actually increase the risk of nerve damage if taken when B12 is low. (There is a lot of debate on whether or not this is true, and then there is the thing about natural folate vs synthetic folic acid. What a minefield!!) Anyway, I immediately ordered some good quality drops.

When I spoke with my GP, I put all this to her, and she agreed to let me have a B12 test. I asked her if I would be ok to supplement before the test, as my symptoms were so bad, and she said yes, and that I was going to be tested for Intrinsic Factor (the enzyme that helps you absorb B12 in the stomach) as well anyway. I had to wait several days for a letter with blood forms and the number to ring for the appointment, and when I rang, the best date they could give me was two months away!!!! At that point I was barely able to stand on my legs.

From what I read over the following days, I got so worried about the drops not being sufficient to stave off permanent damage, that I started wondering about getting a B12 injection through a scheme that a pharmacist not too far from me was taking part in. Above all, I did not want to skew the test. But with that being so very far away, perhaps I could have one B12 jab now to help my body. Besides, the GP had said I was ok to supplement, and there was the I.F. test as well...?

Feeling desparate, I decided I to have my first ever B12 jab. The day after that I had to go to the surgery for an unrelated screening appointment. As I chatted with the nurse, and mentioned the blood test being two months away, she offered to see if she could arrange for me to have it sooner, and she could! Realising that the recent injection was going to skew the B12 result made me hesitate, but then I thought that the I.F. test would tell me what I needed to know: can I absorb B12 properly via the stomach? So I agreed to the sooner date.

Two days after that (three days after the B12 shot), I experienced the best day I've had in years. It was a sample of what 'normal' might be like, and even though this did not last for much longer than one day, I felt hopeful. The brain fog improved and the tingling and burning in my legs vanished completely, as well as the strange noise in my ears. But over the past few weeks, these things have all come back again, one by one. So that confirmed to me that B12 is definitely a factor!

Weeks later I got my blood results. Of course the B12 was high, but worse, the more important Intrinsic Factor test had not been done because of the high B12, as apparently it does not work then!! Well, if I had known that, I would never have had the test brought forward!

To be fair, I was offered to have the test done again, but I wouldn't be able to have any more B12 injections until then, and preferably no drops either.

I joined several support groups on Facebook, and learned from other people's horror stories that even those with low test results aren't getting the treatment they need, and some who have been on treatment for years have suddenly been denied it, or had their treatment limited. And these are not odd cases, this is going on everywhere!!!

Having experienced the effects of that one B12 shot, I concluded that if I was to stay away from B12 for twelve weeks, for the sake of a test which might not even result in my being awarded proper treatment, I would not be doing myself any favours. So I decided to 'go rogue', as one member put it, and order my own things. The support I received to during this process was amazing, and today I've done my second self-injection. I'm starting with loading doses every other day, so hopefully tomorrow I should feel an effect from the first one. Keeping everything crossed!!!

I'll still need to see about folate and folic acid. (A very knowledgeable friend told me that she did end up with neuropathy due to using folic acid while B12 deficient, as her doctor was not aware of that risk, so even though there are some loud voices in the support groups saying this is not possible, I'm keeping my mind open, considering myself warned.)

There are other things to check out as well. Potassium, magnesium, iron possibly..... And to make matters more complicated, I've been digging into my DNA and found out I have a fairly common MTHFR mutation, and an uncommon biotinidase issue, so my biotin (aka B7/B8/vit H) absorbtion is poor too, and apparently this works hand in hand with B12 in the mitochondria, the cells' powerstations!!! And I wonder why I've never had much energy..... (Oh, and this makes one more susceptible to candida too!!)

Anyway, this is just about all I know right now. It's possible some of this info is not entirely correct, coming from a foggy brain that's trying to make sense of something even experts don't agree on, so I'll put that disclaimer here!

I just hope that this thread may reach somebody who unknowingly suffers from a B12 deficiency, or who knows someone else who does, and recognises symptoms, so they may be alerted to this possibility.

Sorry for this long-winded story, I didn't know how to shorten it! :flower:

[Journeyman]

Thank you so much Journeyman. Oh, how I wish I had a straightforward answer to that!

I don't remember ever having had much energy, even as a child. I became a vegetarian in 1992, but have been supplementing (a bit on and off to begin with I confess, but more consistently over the past number of years). Was diagnosed with CFS/ME in 2015, after what I thought was my third burnout, brought on by excessive work related stress (including organising legal proceedings on behalf of 20 colleagues, at the same time as I was doing the intensive training for a new job, which in the end proved to be too stressful in its own right), but this time it never lifted.

When I finally got some specialist care, I learned about to managing energy in order to prevent 'pay back time' afterwards. The emphasis was on adrenalin and cortisol, although these were never measured, and vitamin B12 hardly even got a look in.

I had tested a bit below normal, back then, but some sub-lingual drops apparently brought my level to normal, and that was that. They made me feel somewhat better but not very much, but I did feel some (false?) sense of security that my B12 was ok.

Then I found what I thought were the perfect multivitamin capsules online. They contained an enormous amount of B12, as well as lots of other things, and I stopped taking the drops.

Early 2020 I had a dental implant done (never trust a fruit biscuit!), and two to three weeks afterwards I started getting a most awful bitter taste in my mouth. Went back to get it checked twice, only to be told it was healing well, and maybe an adjacent crown had been knocked during the procedure, but for that I would have to see my own dentist. Finally got an appointment with her two months ago, but she too could not find evidence of a dental cause. She did however urge me to get my GP to have my blood checked for all types of anaemia, as well as diabetes, thyroid, the usual suspects.

During the days I had to wait for my phone appointment with my GP, I started reading up on the various types of anaemia, and I started recognising a large number of symptoms that fitted the B12 deficiency. Many of these had seemed quaint little issues to me, and unrelated to each other: pins and needles in mainly my lower legs, and a burning sensation, similar to how it feels when you're sitting just a bit too close to a fire, not unpleasant, I thought.... I also had this odd buzzing/humming noise in my head/ears, a bit like the sound of the wind and sometimes changing as if going through cycles like a washing machine. Sore and dry eyes. Random muscle twitches. Heart palpitations. Worsened fatigue, clumsiness and brain fog, which I'd pre-pigeonholed under typical CFS/ME. I learned that some of these symptoms could be indications of neuropathy, as the protective myelin sheath is broken down, and if this is left untreated, permanent nerve damage may occur.

But how could this be when I'd been taking these capsules? Then I learned that not everyone can absorb B12 properly via the stomach. Could that be why those drops seemed to do something, but the capsules with their huge amount of B12 weren't doing anything at all? Worse still, the capsules contained a generous amount of folic acid, which not only can mask a B12 deficiency, but some say that this could actually increase the risk of nerve damage if taken when B12 is low. (There is a lot of debate on whether or not this is true, and then there is the thing about natural folate vs synthetic folic acid. What a minefield!!) Anyway, I immediately ordered some good quality drops.

When I spoke with my GP, I put all this to her, and she agreed to let me have a B12 test. I asked her if I would be ok to supplement before the test, as my symptoms were so bad, and she said yes, and that I was going to be tested for Intrinsic Factor (the enzyme that helps you absorb B12 in the stomach) as well anyway. I had to wait several days for a letter with blood forms and the number to ring for the appointment, and when I rang, the best date they could give me was two months away!!!! At that point I was barely able to stand on my legs.

From what I read over the following days, I got so worried about the drops not being sufficient to stave off permanent damage, that I started wondering about getting a B12 injection through a scheme that a pharmacist not too far from me was taking part in. Above all, I did not want to skew the test. But with that being so very far away, perhaps I could have one B12 jab now to help my body. Besides, the GP had said I was ok to supplement, and there was the I.F. test as well...?

Feeling desparate, I decided I to have my first ever B12 jab. The day after that I had to go to the surgery for an unrelated screening appointment. As I chatted with the nurse, and mentioned the blood test being two months away, she offered to see if she could arrange for me to have it sooner, and she could! Realising that the recent injection was going to skew the B12 result made me hesitate, but then I thought that the I.F. test would tell me what I needed to know: can I absorb B12 properly via the stomach? So I agreed to the sooner date.

Two days after that (three days after the B12 shot), I experienced the best day I've had in years. It was a sample of what 'normal' might be like, and even though this did not last for much longer than one day, I felt hopeful. The brain fog improved and the tingling and burning in my legs vanished completely, as well as the strange noise in my ears. But over the past few weeks, these things have all come back again, one by one. So that confirmed to me that B12 is definitely a factor!

Weeks later I got my blood results. Of course the B12 was high, but worse, the more important Intrinsic Factor test had not been done because of the high B12, as apparently it does not work then!! Well, if I had known that, I would never have had the test brought forward!

To be fair, I was offered to have the test done again, but I wouldn't be able to have any more B12 injections until then, and preferably no drops either.

I joined several support groups on Facebook, and learned from other people's horror stories that even those with low test results aren't getting the treatment they need, and some who have been on treatment for years have suddenly been denied it, or had their treatment limited. And these are not odd cases, this is going on everywhere!!!

Having experienced the effects of that one B12 shot, I concluded that if I was to stay away from B12 for twelve weeks, for the sake of a test which might not even result in my being awarded proper treatment, I would not be doing myself any favours. So I decided to 'go rogue', as one member put it, and order my own things. The support I received to during this process was amazing, and today I've done my second self-injection. I'm starting with loading doses every other day, so hopefully tomorrow I should feel an effect from the first one. Keeping everything crossed!!!

I'll still need to see about folate and folic acid. (A very knowledgeable friend told me that she did end up with neuropathy due to using folic acid while B12 deficient, as her doctor was not aware of that risk, so even though there are some loud voices in the support groups saying this is not possible, I'm keeping my mind open, considering myself warned.)

There are other things to check out as well. Potassium, magnesium, iron possibly..... And to make matters more complicated, I've been digging into my DNA and found out I have a fairly common MTHFR mutation, and an uncommon biotinidase issue, so my biotin (aka B7/B8/vit H) absorbtion is poor too, and apparently this works hand in hand with B12 in the mitochondria, the cells' powerstations!!! And I wonder why I've never had much energy..... (Oh, and this makes one more susceptible to candida too!!)

Anyway, this is just about all I know right now. It's possible some of this info is not entirely correct, coming from a foggy brain that's trying to make sense of something even experts don't agree on, so I'll put that disclaimer here!

I just hope that this thread may reach somebody who unknowingly suffers from a B12 deficiency, or who knows someone else who does, and recognises symptoms, so they may be alerted to this possibility.

Sorry for this long-winded story, I didn't know how to shorten it! :flower:

Not at all!

I recalled your previous thread: https://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?115015-Thoughts-on-minimising-reversing-vaccine-damage&p=1428346&viewfull=1#post1428346

did you get the coeliac bloods done?

[Anna70]

Oh my word, this is what my brain is like... I felt sure I'd mentioned some of this before, but couldn't find the conversation when I did a search for 'B12'. That is so embarrassing... :facepalm:

Sadly, I did not get tested for gluten intolerance. The conversation with the doctor did not go exactly to plan, as she did not ring at the time I was expecting the call, and after spending the entire morning in 'alert mode', I'd dozed off, completely exhausted. And when she did ring, early in the afternoon, my computer with the checklist I'd made of all the things I wanted to mention to her had put itself in the type of sleep mode where I have to depress the on button for ages for it to wake up again. So I never mentioned all the things that were on it, and felt such an idiot afterwards. Edit: Mercury was retrograde!!! :rolleyes:

Thank you ever so much for reminding me, as it deserves checking out, especially with all the other tests coming back 'normal', when I'm feeling quite abnormal!

On a positive note, one of the things that's been hijacking my three or so functioning brain cells lately, has been the decision to go ahead and order a Spooky2, which is now on its way. I've been watching quite a few videos on how to get started with these. :bigsmile:

[dim]

Been so far away from nature, grown up inside cemented cities, with so much fear about everything nowadays, especially bacteria, we wash our fruits and vegetables so much, we let any kind of soil dirt which is so rich in B12, anywhere near our system, no wonder the deficiency.
Just eat some dirt here and there. That's all.

[Cognitive Dissident]

Thanks for this interesting thread on a very important subject. I would only add one detail, which is that most B supplements contain B12 in the (cheaper) form of cyanocobalamin, which actually contains a small amount of cyanide (yes, THAT cyanide) which some nutritionists say offsets the benefit of the B12 itself. Much better (but more expensive) is B12 in the form of methylcobalamin. Check the small print on your vitamin bottles! I sometimes explain this to shop assistants in Holland & Barrett; have never met one who knew about this before... See this link for a good explanation:

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/methylcobalamin-vs-cyanocobalamin

[Anna70]

Been so far away from nature, grown up inside cemented cities, with so much fear about everything nowadays, especially bacteria, we wash our fruits and vegetables so much, we let any kind of soil dirt which is so rich in B12, anywhere near our system, no wonder the deficiency.
Just eat some dirt here and there. That's all.


There is a lot to be said for that! Only thing is it would still need to go through the digestive tract. Or would the bacteria in the dirt help with the absorbtion? (Genuine question :) )

[Journeyman]

Oh my word, this is what my brain is like... I felt sure I'd mentioned some of this before, but couldn't find the conversation when I did a search for 'B12'. That is so embarrassing... :facepalm:

Sadly, I did not get tested for gluten intolerance. The conversation with the doctor did not go exactly to plan, as she did not ring at the time I was expecting the call, and after spending the entire morning in 'alert mode', I'd dozed off, completely exhausted. And when she did ring, early in the afternoon, my computer with the checklist I'd made of all the things I wanted to mention to her had put itself in the type of sleep mode where I have to depress the on button for ages for it to wake up again. So I never mentioned all the things that were on it, and felt such an idiot afterwards. Edit: Mercury was retrograde!!! :rolleyes:

Thank you ever so much for reminding me, as it deserves checking out, especially with all the other tests coming back 'normal', when I'm feeling quite abnormal!

On a positive note, one of the things that's been hijacking my three or so functioning brain cells lately, has been the decision to go ahead and order a Spooky2, which is now on its way. I've been watching quite a few videos on how to get started with these. :bigsmile:


It's a struggle when you're wrestling the effects of something which hits your cognitive capacity. With the brain fog I found a notepad better than keeping notes on my phone or elsewhere. At doctor's appt I tried to boil down all my many concerns to a top 3 (they switch off or label you hypochondriac if you try for too much) and just focussed on getting some kind of answer to those. :)

On celiac/gluten sensitivity - it could be the cause, a quick look here (https://www.celiac.com/search/?q=%20B12%20deficiency&quick=1) will show there's correlation aplenty, but of course correlation is not causation. If I were you I'd stay eating my normal diet until you can get a blood test done. If it's positive then great (honestly) you get your explanation, there's an easy fix which doesn't require medication, just some care with the diet and you'd probably find yourself feeling better than you thought possible.

If negative the doctors would probably discard celiac as a potential cause, but that would be the time I'd strongly recommend going ahead with an elimination diet and seeing if you detect an improvement. The tests don't pick up on every case and there are people that aren't coeliac but do benefit from a gf diet.

:waving:

[Bill Ryan]

Thanks for the interesting and valuable thread! Yes, B12 deficiency is far more common than many think.

Here's a recommendation. I take this as a supplement:


https://amazon.co.uk/dp/B013AV1TEG


https://images-eu.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/715UvGUjxJL.__AC_SX300_SY300_QL70_ML2_.jpg

The drops are sublingual (under the tongue), so it's absorbed that way (much better!), not via the digestive tract. I don't know if I have any kind of potential deficiency, but I take it just once a week as routine and my B12 levels, which I had tested, are all fine. But once a day is 100% okay if there does seem to be a deficiency issue.

:sun:

[Anna70]

Thanks for this interesting thread on a very important subject. I would only add one detail, which is that most B supplements contain B12 in the (cheaper) form of cyanocobalamin, which actually contains a small amount of cyanide (yes, THAT cyanide) which some nutritionists say offsets the benefit of the B12 itself. Much better (but more expensive) is B12 in the form of methylcobalamin. Check the small print on your vitamin bottles! I sometimes explain this to shop assistants in Holland & Barrett; have never met one who knew about this before... See this link for a good explanation:

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/methylcobalamin-vs-cyanocobalamin

Thank you so much for adding this vital piece of information, Cognitive Dissident!!! I'd forgotten to put that in. Yes, the cheap cyano type can be found in oral supplements and in injectable form as well. Some people reckon it is safe, and argue there is more cyanide in almonds and prune juice, but personally I don't think it sounds like a great idea.

My drops contain the methyl and adenosyl types, and the shots are hydroxocobalamin.

[Anna70]

It's a struggle when you're wrestling the effects of something which hits your cognitive capacity. With the brain fog I found a notepad better than keeping notes on my phone or elsewhere. At doctor's appt I tried to boil down all my many concerns to a top 3 (they switch off or label you hypochondriac if you try for too much) and just focussed on getting some kind of answer to those. :)

On celiac/gluten sensitivity - it could be the cause, a quick look here (https://www.celiac.com/search/?q=%20B12%20deficiency&quick=1) will show there's correlation aplenty, but of course correlation is not causation. If I were you I'd stay eating my normal diet until you can get a blood test done. If it's positive then great (honestly) you get your explanation, there's an easy fix which doesn't require medication, just some care with the diet and you'd probably find yourself feeling better than you thought possible.

If negative the doctors would probably discard celiac as a potential cause, but that would be the time I'd strongly recommend going ahead with an elimination diet and seeing if you detect an improvement. The tests don't pick up on every case and there are people that aren't coeliac but do benefit from a gf diet.

:waving:

That is so true about the cognitive thing. It leads to a lot of frustration and embarrassment. (My brain's internal spell checker is still broken!) I generally prefer paper too, but had prepared the whole thing in a wordpad document, as it made it easier to edit it for clarity... :facepalm:

To be fair, they did get me tested for quite a lot of things, and took nine tubes of blood altogether. But you have definitely planted a seed, and I will look into the gluten thing more thoroughly. I have tried going without wheat before, but at the time did not feel a difference. Perhaps it takes a while. Anyway, if I've learned anything from the recent test blunder, I'd better stay on it until I get tested! :wink:

[TomKat]

my understanding is that only vegans have to worry about B12. And even they don't worry about it much because it's added to vegan milk products like Silk.

[Anna70]

Thanks for the interesting and valuable thread! Yes, B12 deficiency is far more common than many think.

Here's a recommendation. I take this as a supplement:


https://amazon.co.uk/dp/B013AV1TEG


https://images-eu.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/715UvGUjxJL.__AC_SX300_SY300_QL70_ML2_.jpg

The drops are sublingual (under the tongue), so it's absorbed that way (much better!), not via the digestive tract. I don't know if I have any kind of potential deficiency, but I take it just once a week as routine and my B12 levels, which I had tested, are all fine. But once a day is 100% okay if there does seem to be a deficiency issue.

:sun:

Thank you ever so much for your lovely words and your recommendation, Bill! Yes, sublingual drops are by far the best way to supplement if injections are unnecessary or not an option.

The drops I'm now taking (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bioactive-METHYLCOBALAMIN-ADENOSYLCOBALAMIN-Coenzyme-Supplement/dp/B07H31BFRB/ref=pb_allspark_dp_session_sims_pao_desktop_1/262-1686943-2635625?pd_rd_w=8ygvm&pf_rd_p=a80b8663-76e7-42fc-9cdf-f601eec9bc07&pf_rd_r=90XXVZF5G1S8395HNJ6T&pd_rd_r=d7c3bff2-d681-4a30-84a6-61e68eacebb1&pd_rd_wg=3EIwT&pd_rd_i=B07H31BFRB&psc=1) are similar, with adenosylcobalamin as well as methylcobalamin. Apparently the methyl B12 form is especially good for nerve repair (including Bell's Palsy!), and the adenosyl one for energy. Most people can convert one type into another other, depending on what function is required, but some have problems with that, and being a mutant, I thought I'd try these. :bigsmile:

This page (https://perniciousanemia.org/b12/forms/) shows how all forms compare.

[Journeyman]

It's a struggle when you're wrestling the effects of something which hits your cognitive capacity. With the brain fog I found a notepad better than keeping notes on my phone or elsewhere. At doctor's appt I tried to boil down all my many concerns to a top 3 (they switch off or label you hypochondriac if you try for too much) and just focussed on getting some kind of answer to those. :)

On celiac/gluten sensitivity - it could be the cause, a quick look here (https://www.celiac.com/search/?q=%20B12%20deficiency&quick=1) will show there's correlation aplenty, but of course correlation is not causation. If I were you I'd stay eating my normal diet until you can get a blood test done. If it's positive then great (honestly) you get your explanation, there's an easy fix which doesn't require medication, just some care with the diet and you'd probably find yourself feeling better than you thought possible.

If negative the doctors would probably discard celiac as a potential cause, but that would be the time I'd strongly recommend going ahead with an elimination diet and seeing if you detect an improvement. The tests don't pick up on every case and there are people that aren't coeliac but do benefit from a gf diet.

:waving:

That is so true about the cognitive thing. It leads to a lot of frustration and embarrassment. (My brain's internal spell checker is still broken!) I generally prefer paper too, but had prepared the whole thing in a wordpad document, as it made it easier to edit it for clarity... :facepalm:

To be fair, they did get me tested for quite a lot of things, and took nine tubes of blood altogether. But you have definitely planted a seed, and I will look into the gluten thing more thoroughly.:

If you've had a raft of tests then there's a good chance they ran the coeliac screening.


I have tried going without wheat before, but at the time did not feel a difference. Perhaps it takes a while. Anyway, if I've learned anything from the recent test blunder, I'd better stay on it until I get tested! :wink

You may have gone without wheat but still had hidden gluten in your diet, or even cross contamination from other foods/drinks/sieves/chopping boards etc.

Absolutely, don't make any changes till you've got a negative gliadin test. After that, an elimination diet would be the best way and that is super strict, you write everything down when you eat or drink and you write how you're feeling. That's the way you can track and identify any correlations between foods and symptoms, because it can take minutes/hours/or even several days before different things manifest, depending on how your body reacts.

Course it may not be that, but the rewards if you do identify an intolerance are many and far outweigh the initial pain at losing a favourite bagel or somesuch!

[Anna70]

my understanding is that only vegans have to worry about B12. And even they don't worry about it much because it's added to vegan milk products like Silk.

TomKat, you have raised an important point, as this is what many people have been led to believe!

It is true that a vegan diet without supplementation can cause problems due to insufficient B12 intake. But to be able to utilise any B12 we get from our food, whatever our diet, or from supplements in caps or tablet form, we need to have the ability to absorb it in the stomach as well.

I've been a vegetarian/vegan for nearly thirty years, and thought my super high B12 multivitamin capsules, aimed specifically at those on meat free diets, had me covered. But intake does not do anything without absorbtion.

[Anna70]

Journeyman, thank you!!! It's certainly worth knowing about if that is part of the problem!

[happyuk]

Anna are you a fan of Marmite? I'm lucky in that I've always been in the 'love it' (https://www.creativereview.co.uk/you-either-love-it-or-hate-it/#:~:text=14%3A%20Marmite%20(1996)%20%E2%80%93,Love%20It%20Or%20Hate%20It&text=But%20the%20brand%20that%20has,used%20to%20describe%20anything%20divisive.) camp.

I'm not a vegan, but the NHS recommends it (https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/the-vegan-diet/) (or any kind of yeast extract I guess) for anyone following a vegan diet, or for whatever reason is deficient in this vitamin, given that vitamin B12 is ordinarily only obtainable from animal sources, such as meat, fish and dairy products.

The NHS recognises Marmite as a source of the vitamin, because it is "fortified with vitamin B12"

For non-UK readers, Marmite is a thick, dark paste made from the by-product of beer brewing. Even connoisseurs of this stuff like myself find its flavour difficult to describe, but as a best stab is a salty, acrid soy sauce-like flavour.

My wife suffers from pernicious anaemia and has regular injections on B12 to enable adequate absorption of iron.

[Anna70]

happyuk, I must apologise for being so slow with a reply and a proper thank you! There were some distractions this end, and after that Bitdefender stopped me accessing the website for a while, something I've figured out at last!

I've tried Marmite once in its 'full on' form, and it reminded me of a stock cube disguised as syrup, so that wasn't a great success, but it's great as an ingredient with savoury soya mince for instance.

I hope your wife has been able to receive all the B12 injections she requires. I've read some terrible stories in the Facebook support groups, of people being taken off injections or seeing them greatly reduced for no good reason, and many in the UK are now given no option but to source it themselves from German online pharmacies.

[Antagenet]

Wonderful thread Anna!
I wish I had found this before I became severely B12 deficient. I believe mine is caused by genetic mutations
and runs in my family. I was beginning to experience dementia and the B12 shots completely reversed it.
I would be glad to share my experience if anyone is interested.

[Harmony]

Wonderful thread Anna!
I wish I had found this before I became severely B12 deficient. I believe mine is caused by genetic mutations
and runs in my family. I was beginning to experience dementia and the B12 shots completely reversed it.
I would be glad to share my experience if anyone is interested.

Please, if you can add more about your experience with B12 Antagenet, that might help many others. I had a great Aunt, who before I was born was thought to be loosing her mind abilities, but it turned she was just low in zinc, and after supplementing zinc was perfectly well again.:sun:

[delfine]

For anyone worried about B12, (and is eating fish) I recommend eating sardines, herring and/or maquerel. They contain high
amounts of B12. Just 100 gr. contain appr. 5 times the recommended daily intake

[Tintin]

Wonderful thread Anna!
I wish I had found this before I became severely B12 deficient. I believe mine is caused by genetic mutations
and runs in my family. I was beginning to experience dementia and the B12 shots completely reversed it.
I would be glad to share my experience if anyone is interested.

Yes, it is :heart: :muscle:

I recently had blood tests done (April) and my B12 count was a shocker. I'd more than pleased if you'd share some of your experience too, when you feel comfortable doing it.

Essentially I've eschewed injections but am taking methylcobalamin supplements (5000mcg once per day). I've also reintroduced liver into my diet although perhaps the one food that contains extraordinary high natural levels of B12, clams, are a little tricky to come by here. And I've always got Marmite on hand as well. The issue I have almost exactly mirrors Anna's in that this is an absorption issue.

I'd agreed with my GP, who is most excellent by the way, that we'd experiment in a dietary way initially, get some more tests done, perhaps nearing that time in a month or so, and see if there's any improvement. None of us can be certain when, or if this has always been an issue but has reared its head as I get a little older.

[Tintin]

For anyone worried about B12, (and is eating fish) I recommend eating sardines, herring and/or maquerel. They contain high
amounts of B12. Just 100 gr. contain appr. 5 times the recommended daily intake

Yes, mackerel, and sardines. I've always got a few cans of those around at any time :sun:

[grapevine]

Barley malt extract has enough B vitamins to justify having a large spoonful every day but only as a supplement.

[Antagenet]

Ok I will either work up a depiction of what happened to me concerning B12 deficiency, either here or in a new thread.

Just one point I need to mention right away.
Those of us who have a problem with B12 absorption in our guts need B12 injections
and all the advice about what to eat that has high B12 does not apply to us.
We will die without the injections, possibly slowly, but I saw myself age 10 years in a year
and believe without B12 injections I would now be demented or dead.

[Antagenet]

Thank you all for your interest. Here is my story about B12 deficiency and how it almost did me in.

2-3 years before diagnosis I began having the following symptoms. Numbness in toes which slowly spread to feet then ankles, then calves. A slow deterioration of muscle tone all over. Periods of intermittent dizziness/vertigo and fatigue. A worsening of lifelong digestive symptoms which include inflammation and constipation, decreased gut motility.

A year before diagnosis I suddenly felt my spine growing cold when I was waking in early mornings. I thought it might be my old mattress so I bought a new one, but that didn't help. My fatigue was also getting worse. I had a few instances of stubbing my toe hard enough that I thought I broke it. (clumsiness). I began to have falls which were precipitated by momentary lack of consciousness.

A few months before my diagnosis my symptoms increased. It seemed like everything was going wrong all at once. My foot/leg neuropathy worsened to include weakness in upper legs. My balance worsened, especially upon waking up. I also began to feel occasional nausea and shortness of breath. I was diagnosed with cataracts, borderline macular degeneration and glaucoma. My skin suddenly went from appearing middle aged to old. I began drying out after a lifetime of never having dry skin.

A week before diagnosis the bottom of my feet started to feel burning sensations and I began to go into unexpected rages without any trigger, no good reason. I also began having dark thoughts that would come on with intensity. I was beginning to forget words. I began to have leg cramps and not just spinal cold sensitivity. I felt waves of cool energy zipping up the back of my head.

The last symptom that put me into a panic was the bottom of my feet were turning a strange salmon color and had a sensation of burning. I coudlnt take a single step without pain.

In a panic I searched for a new doctor, using google reviews. I spent my first session with him explaining my whole body was falling apart, amidst bursts of crying.
On my second visit, a few days later, he said, I have something to help you. I didn't think anything could help but was willing to try. He gave me a B12 IV. About halfway through the IV my dark mood lifted and then I began to feel a little more capable of standing, walking and balancing.

I then proceeded to receive B12/B6/B1 injections at intervals of 8 - 10 days. I could tell with each shot my neuropathy, balance, mood and fatigue was getting better. I began a journal to try to discover how many days would be best to wait before a new shot. I am now on my 52nd injection and have found the best interval for me is every 4 days. If I wait 5 days, my symptoms begin returning.

Every day I wake up and thank God that I was lucky enough to find a medical doctor who understands this B12 deficiency and saved my life. I believe this was a lifelong problem caused my a series of mutations that became very slowly worse and worse. Looking back I had signs of deficiency that were obvious to me now, but had no idea about. Upon reviewing my mother, grandmother and great grandfathers medical history I am sure they also had this inability to absorb B12 from food. It sent all of them into varying levels of dementia and psychosis.

I belong to an online forum for people with pernicious anemia/B12 deficiency which has thousands of members. A majority of us have been misdiagnosed and many have problems to this day convincing their doctors they need injections. https://pernicious-anaemia-society.org/forum/. B12 deficiency is a hugely misdiagnosed and underdiagosed problem. My own personal theory is that that big pharma doesn't want people to know about how cheap it is to treat B12 def. because they make a ton of money off all the misdiagnosis. Additionally I suspect that the lack of medical attention for this problem is intentional by the psychopaths at the top, just another way they can slowly and quietly genocide us while making $ off us. I bet if all the people in nursing homes were given a B12 injection, half of them would get up and walk out, feelling better and thinking more clearly than they had in years.

Feel free to ask me questions either here or privately. Hugs to all.

[Antagenet]

https://vimeo.com/891099138/4150efa06b

Another good video about B12

[Harmony]

Thank you Antagenet for sharing your experience. I somehow missed your last post on July 5th and I found it very interesting to read. I will certainly by listening to the video you linked above.:bearhug:I am so pleased your health has turned around and you are on the mend now :heart:


For a while now, maybe 9 months or so that I know of anyway, I was diagnosed with anemia, which I did not use to have. I have been taking a liquid B multi vitamin that is suppose to be easily absorbable. When I went for my last test to check my blood count it was actually worse even after taking good iron supplents and I have been wonderig what is going on. This week after being on discord with Bill he mentioned maybe trying B12 injections.


I found the chemist does carry the ampules of the Hydroxocobalamin and also syringes. At first the chemist was hesitant to all them to be given without a perscription, but then they checked and it is ok, but they said it is recommended to check with your practitioner. (This is in Australia). It's all pretty easy to do, but it is advised to have another person present the first time incase you might be allergic to the formulation, or you could get the first one by a nurse if you are worried.


I think I am already feeling a difference and I will be hoping my next blood test will show that there is an improvement in my red blood cell count.


I have been thinking about strange things happening to people I know that are not vaccinated, but have had covid or think they had covid a few years ago. Some of the symptoms that seem to start up are more leg cramps, dry eye syndrome and other non diagnosed body symptoms. I do wonder if there are side affects for certain groups or blood groups after having covid, that are now sped up or something. I just thought I would mention that in case it helps any one else. Are we not absorbing our nutrients as well as we were before, and why?

[Ernie Nemeth]

https://www.infowarsstore.com/health-and-wellness/infowars-life/ultra-12-b12

been using this product for years
tastes so good
works well

and don't forget your iodine...
https://www.infowarsstore.com/health-and-wellness/infowars-life/survival-shield-x-3-1-oz
everyone is deficient in iodine

[Abondance]

Are we not absorbing our nutrients as well as we were before, and why?

A large part of the population suffers from intestinal permeability, which can develop due to stress. The cells of the intestinal wall, in principle contiguous, deviate from each other. On the one hand, it allows many toxins or unusual molecules to pass through which will cause allergies ( such as gluten) and the intestine decreases its ability to absorb nutrients well.
The amino acid L-glutamine fills these gaps and there are formulas that combine probiotics and glutamine, which give good results, including in cases of severe inflammation of the intestine.

That said, there may be other causes for nutrient malabsorption. It is a complex system of balance, and it is better to supplement formulas that contain the absorption cofactors (e.g.: magnesium + calcium or iron + vitamin C).

[Harmony]

https://www.infowarsstore.com/health-and-wellness/infowars-life/ultra-12-b12

been using this product for years
tastes so good
works well

and don't forget your iodine...
https://www.infowarsstore.com/health-and-wellness/infowars-life/survival-shield-x-3-1-oz
everyone is deficient in iodine


Thank you Ernie for your recommendations. I haven't tried that exact B12 from the Infowars site. I did have another similar one a while back with the same kind of liquid B12 form, but it became very expensive and was usually out of stock so I used up the bottles of liquid Bvits. I already had with the cyanocobalamin form of B12, which was not the best idea knowing what I know now.


I have been taking iodine each day for a couple of years now after reading all the recommedations on the forum, and how important that can be, especially in these times where we really need to take good care of our immune systems. And like many, fit the expense into a limited budget as well. I really like when I find a good food that is a supplement as well with rich sources of nutrition, like bee pollen, raw cocoa, coconut oil and organic fruits and vegetables and recently I am taking Carob molasses that is rich in nutrition and iron, which Bill mentioned, and it tastes good too.

[Myristyl]

This is an important thread. Literally everybody I have ever spoken to on the subject of B12 has no idea how serious it can be. Many years ago I heard an interview with a specialist on the subject who claimed B12 deficiency and related illness is one of the biggest scandals in the NHS. Unfortunately I can't recall his name.

My own story regarding B12 started following a burst appendix; a few years of total misery, tests and implications that I was making it up. Removing gluten from my diet made, and continues to do so, a huge difference. Initially I thought that by avoiding gluten I had found the answer so dramatic was the difference but after the elation passed I realized things were still not right. Incidentally, the number of doctors who told me diet was unlikely to be responsible was surprising.

Eventually one doctor decided to test for, amongst other things, B12. The results came back critically low which is pretty bad considering the NHS lower limits are already low by international standards. I went on supplements for a couple of months and retook the test only to find the results had dropped further. After this I had the loading doses and began to immediately feel better.

My symptoms included (there are some omissions but I can't remember everything):
Fatigue, worsening of vision, pins and needles in the feet and lower legs, itching, headaches, poor balance, excruciating stabbing pains in the muscle about five inches below the knees, fizzy feet (a kind of numbness), difficulty maintaining concentration, irritability (hard on one's family) and lethargy.

One of the things that concerns me most is B12 and dementia. I can't help but wonder how many people have suffered terribly and so unnecessarily. A good friend of mines elderly mother had slipped into the early stages of dementia and she was told that it was just old age. In relating the story to me, fresh from my own experience with B12 deficiency I suggested she get her mother tested, especially in light of the fact that she had been taking proton pump inhibitors for reflux. It turned out she had critically low B12. She did show some improvement once the injections started but, unfortunately the long term damage had been done.

[Harmony]

Are we not absorbing our nutrients as well as we were before, and why?

A large part of the population suffers from intestinal permeability, which can develop due to stress. The cells of the intestinal wall, in principle contiguous, deviate from each other. On the one hand, it allows many toxins or unusual molecules to pass through which will cause allergies ( such as gluten) and the intestine decreases its ability to absorb nutrients well.
The amino acid L-glutamine fills these gaps and there are formulas that combine probiotics and glutamine, which give good results, including in cases of severe inflammation of the intestine.

That said, there may be other causes for nutrient malabsorption. It is a complex system of balance, and it is better to supplement formulas that contain the absorption cofactors (e.g.: magnesium + calcium or iron + vitamin C).


Thank you Abondance, and yes, it is important to look to why a problem arises in the first place and bring our system into balance so it can better look after itself. I thought I was taking everything I needed, balanced supplements along with the best food I can afford and grow, so I was feeling a bit confused as to why this was happening (low red blood cell count). But it is requiring a closer look as to even more things I need to look into that I have overlooked. I think as you age requirements can also need some tweeking too :sun:

[Harmony]

I listened to the video in post #28 (https://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?115544-Vitamin-B12-deficiency-what-is-going-on&p=1626026&viewfull=1#post1626026) by Antaganet and I do recommend others listen to it if they can. There does seem to be a definite connection mentioned a couple of times regarding the man made spike protein, Covid and long Covid and the stripping of B12 from peoples systems. Thanks again to Antagenet :rose:

[Tintin]

I listened to the video in post #28 (https://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?115544-Vitamin-B12-deficiency-what-is-going-on&p=1626026&viewfull=1#post1626026) by Antaganet and I do recommend others listen to it if they can. There does seem to be a definite connection mentioned a couple of times regarding the man made spike protein, Covid and long Covid and the stripping of B12 from peoples systems. Thanks again to Antagenet :rose:

Thanks for the recommendation to save this, and it's living here in our library now :thumbsup:

Perhaps I ought to start a B12 specific directory - I'll mull on that for the time being.

Here it is:

Cytoplan & Dr David Morris - Understanding the complexities and central role of B12 in health and life

https://avalonlibrary.net/Tintin/Various_%28of_interest%29/Cytoplan_%2B_Dr_David_Morris_Understanding_the_complexities_and_central_role_of_B12_in_health_and_li fe.mp4

[RunningDeer]

I use Global Healing Vitamin B12, Organic Sublingual Liquid Drops (3-in-1 Methylcobalamin, Adenosylcobalamin, Hydroxo Blend) found @ Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072WMPWLG/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) or Global Healing (https://globalhealing.com/products/vitamin-b12?gclid=CODkudGhmc8CFcQfhgodVgMFiA#instructions). I also use a time release B12 by Nature Made. I don’t take B12 or other supplements on a regular basis. One reason is my concern that an overabundance of one mineral/vitamin can result in a deficiency of another(s). The vitamin supplement I use is "Bio-Align Life Force Multiple".


https://i.imgur.com/EkQUDnr.gif


People often ask which is better – the naturally occurring Methylcobalamin or the synthetic Cyanocobalamin? link (https://www.verywellhealth.com/methylcobalamin-vs-cyanocobalamin-8423403#:~:text=Some%20research%20suggests%20that%20cyanocobalamin,form%20of%20B12%20is%20better.)

Some research suggests that cyanocobalamin, form of B12 is better.


The jury is out, to be honest: the body does indeed absorb Cyanocobalamin very well but Methylcobalamin is considered to be retained better and for longer out of the different types of vitamins.

What is the best form of vitamin B12 to take?


The body may absorb cyanocobalamin better, while methylcobalamin has a higher retention rate. Both can prevent B12 deficiency, but methylcobalamin should be combined with adenosylcobalamin for best results.




https://i.imgur.com/EkQUDnr.gif


Quick Search: What blocks vitamin B12 absorption?


Conditions affecting the stomach


Some stomach conditions or stomach operations can prevent the absorption of enough vitamin B12. For example, a gastrectomy, a surgical procedure where part of your stomach is removed, increases your risk of developing a vitamin B12 deficiency.


What limits B12 absorption?


Gastric acid inhibitors - These drugs can interfere with vitamin B12 absorption from food by slowing the release of hydrochloric acid into the stomach, leading to vitamin B12 deficiency. Gastric acid inhibitors include omeprazole (Prilosec), lansoprazole (Prevacid), cimetidine (Tagamet), and ranitidine (Zantac).


Does drinking water lower B12 levels?


"As you intake more water you can begin to flush water soluble vitamins and minerals," Dr. Kinney told INSIDER. "Water soluble vitamins, such as the B Vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6 & B12) & vitamin C, are not stored long term and may be excreted with excess water intake if you're not taking in proper supplementation, too.


What factors affect vitamin B12 absorption? - link (https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/vitamin-b12/)


Avoiding animal products.
Lack of intrinsic factor.
Inadequate stomach acid or medications that cause decreased stomach acid.
Intestinal surgeries or digestive disorders that cause malabsorption.
Medications that interfere with absorption.


What is the most absorbable B12 supplement?


Methylcobalamin is the most bio-available type of Vitamin B12 which means the body absorbs it more easily. Naturally occurring, it is found in animal-based foods such as meat, fish, milk and eggs so Methylcobalamin B12 is readily available in many people's daily diets.


What would cause your body to not absorb B12?


Lifestyle habits: Drinking too much alcohol can make it harder for your body to absorb vitamin B12. For men this is more than two drinks in a day. For women, it's more than one drink in a day. Medicines: Taking certain medicines can make it harder for your body to absorb vitamin B12 over time.


What cancels out B12?


As summarized in the table provided, vitamin B12 (cobalamin) absorption and utilization by the body can be compromised with the chronic use of certain medications which include: colchicine, chloramphenicol, ethanol, histamine 2 receptor antagonists (H2RA), metformin, and proton pump inhibitors (PPI).


What aggravates B12 deficiency?


Conditions that interfere with nutrient absorption, such celiac or Crohn's disease, can cause B12trouble. So can the use of commonly prescribed heartburn drugs, which reduce acid production in the stomach (acid is needed to absorb vitamin B12).

What is the fastest way to recover from B12 deficiency?


How to raise your B12 levels fast. The most common way to treat B12 deficiencies is by adjusting your diet. If this is unsuccessful, vitamin supplements may be recommended. If you're looking to boost the amount of vitamin B12 in your diet, you should eat more animal products, like meat, seafood, dairy and eggs.

[Harmony]

Thanks Running Dear for the information above. :rose: The Global Healing Vitamin B12 linked above (https://globalhealing.com/products/vitamin-b12?gclid=CODkudGhmc8CFcQfhgodVgMFiA#instructions) really looks like a good quality and formulation to try :shooting star:

[meat suit]

Are we not absorbing our nutrients as well as we were before, and why?

A large part of the population suffers from intestinal permeability, which can develop due to stress. The cells of the intestinal wall, in principle contiguous, deviate from each other. On the one hand, it allows many toxins or unusual molecules to pass through which will cause allergies ( such as gluten) and the intestine decreases its ability to absorb nutrients well.
The amino acid L-glutamine fills these gaps and there are formulas that combine probiotics and glutamine, which give good results, including in cases of severe inflammation of the intestine.

That said, there may be other causes for nutrient malabsorption. It is a complex system of balance, and it is better to supplement formulas that contain the absorption cofactors (e.g.: magnesium + calcium or iron + vitamin C).

Great post, thank you,
I have been listening to Dr Ken Berry quite a lot in the last half year and as a result starting to eat lots of beef and cut out all bread/grain products for the last 4 months. My energy levels have been much better.

Some family members came to stay last week and their food habits are pretty filthy🤣.
I felt like joining in to see what would happen. Surprisingly I had no ill effects from cheese and bread, which I always had. So that might imply that my gut permeability has greatly improved eating lots of beef.

Here is a video by Dr Ken Berry on vitamin B12 symtoms.
check him out, many great videos and the comments sections are full of goodies.
he recomends the carnivore diet to which I dont feel is quite my thing.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=SvUEZPG-aGU

[Antagenet]

Thank you Antagenet for sharing your experience. I somehow missed your last post on July 5th and I found it very interesting to read. I will certainly by listening to the video you linked above.:bearhug:I am so pleased your health has turned around and you are on the mend now :heart:


For a while now, maybe 9 months or so that I know of anyway, I was diagnosed with anemia, which I did not use to have. I have been taking a liquid B multi vitamin that is suppose to be easily absorbable. When I went for my last test to check my blood count it was actually worse even after taking good iron supplents and I have been wonderig what is going on. This week after being on discord with Bill he mentioned maybe trying B12 injections.


I found the chemist does carry the ampules of the Hydroxocobalamin and also syringes. At first the chemist was hesitant to all them to be given without a perscription, but then they checked and it is ok, but they said it is recommended to check with your practitioner. (This is in Australia). It's all pretty easy to do, but it is advised to have another person present the first time incase you might be allergic to the formulation, or you could get the first one by a nurse if you are worried.


I think I am already feeling a difference and I will be hoping my next blood test will show that there is an improvement in my red blood cell count.


I have been thinking about strange things happening to people I know that are not vaccinated, but have had covid or think they had covid a few years ago. Some of the symptoms that seem to start up are more leg cramps, dry eye syndrome and other non diagnosed body symptoms. I do wonder if there are side affects for certain groups or blood groups after having covid, that are now sped up or something. I just thought I would mention that in case it helps any one else. Are we not absorbing our nutrients as well as we were before, and why?

Harmony, Thanks for sharing your story. I am glad you were able to get the B12 injections, and also have someone with you the first treatment.

It's also important to note, that a garden variety low B12 is not the same as a pernicious B12 deficiency which means a FATAL deficiency. Those of us who have this do not absorb enough or any B12 from food or supplements. Without B12 INJECTIONS we would die.

Yes I think there are many people with low B12 who are not aware of it and I also mention it to friends who might need more of it.

Unfortunately the idea of injections/shots is not comfortable for many people and they resist trying even one B12 shot. Usually like both of us, one can tell a difference immediately and it is clear whether one needs it or not.

Then the B12 shots are manufactured by pharma companies. I understand the reticence as I avoided as much pharma poison as I could for my whole life, not even taking aspirin! But the B12 injections are a Vitamin, not a poison.

[Antagenet]

This is an important thread. Literally everybody I have ever spoken to on the subject of B12 has no idea how serious it can be. Many years ago I heard an interview with a specialist on the subject who claimed B12 deficiency and related illness is one of the biggest scandals in the NHS. Unfortunately I can't recall his name.

My own story regarding B12 started following a burst appendix; a few years of total misery, tests and implications that I was making it up. Removing gluten from my diet made, and continues to do so, a huge difference. Initially I thought that by avoiding gluten I had found the answer so dramatic was the difference but after the elation passed I realized things were still not right. Incidentally, the number of doctors who told me diet was unlikely to be responsible was surprising.

Eventually one doctor decided to test for, amongst other things, B12. The results came back critically low which is pretty bad considering the NHS lower limits are already low by international standards. I went on supplements for a couple of months and retook the test only to find the results had dropped further. After this I had the loading doses and began to immediately feel better.

My symptoms included (there are some omissions but I can't remember everything):
Fatigue, worsening of vision, pins and needles in the feet and lower legs, itching, headaches, poor balance, excruciating stabbing pains in the muscle about five inches below the knees, fizzy feet (a kind of numbness), difficulty maintaining concentration, irritability (hard on one's family) and lethargy.

One of the things that concerns me most is B12 and dementia. I can't help but wonder how many people have suffered terribly and so unnecessarily. A good friend of mines elderly mother had slipped into the early stages of dementia and she was told that it was just old age. In relating the story to me, fresh from my own experience with B12 deficiency I suggested she get her mother tested, especially in light of the fact that she had been taking proton pump inhibitors for reflux. It turned out she had critically low B12. She did show some improvement once the injections started but, unfortunately the long term damage had been done.

Yesterday 01:35Link to Post #33
Myristyl, OMG you too. I am so sorry you too have this B12 def, but so relieved for you that you had a doctor who diagnosed you correctly. There are so few of them. The majority of people on the B12 forum I mentioned in my other post were also misdiagnosed. To think of the large number of demented people who need B12, and who could potentially recover from at least beginning dementia, is terrifying. That dementia began happening to me and what it felt like was not being sure of the difference between being asleep or awake. Others in the B12 forum have described this as becoming "Dreamy". The terror and disorientation it produces is abysmal and to think it could be prevented... and that B12 deficiency has been known about for maybe a century and the shots used to be easy to get. I could go on and on...
Thanks for describing your symptoms. It helps me to hear others stories.
To know that I am just 4 days away from dementia if I don't get my B12 shot is uncomfortable, but it's nothing compared to slipping into permanent dementia,
like my mother, grandmother and great grandfather did. Who knows, maybe one of (up there) them sent me that doctor that diagnosed me!!

[RunningDeer]

Thanks Running Dear for the information above. :rose: The Global Healing Vitamin B12 linked above (https://globalhealing.com/products/vitamin-b12?gclid=CODkudGhmc8CFcQfhgodVgMFiA#instructions) really looks like a good quality and formulation to try :shooting star:

Hi Harmony, https://i.imgur.com/LAk0Fum.gif I’m listening to this and thought of you. The take away is when the vitamin B12 is a methylated B12, the vitamin is received better. And as pointed out (https://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?115544-Vitamin-B12-deficiency-what-is-going-on&p=1626285&viewfull=1#post1626285) in the earlier post, Organic Vitamin B12 Liquid (https://globalhealing.com/products/vitamin-b12?gclid=CODkudGhmc8CFcQfhgodVgMFiA#instructions) is methylated.

The topic of methylation is a little past the 1:50:00 mark. BTW: I enjoyed the whole video.


Neuroscientist: Most UNUSUAL Way to Improve Brain Function In Days | Louisa Nicola

EkjEdB0Or8w

:heart:



OUTLINE

00:00 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkjEdB0Or8w&t=0s) - Australia

03:21 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkjEdB0Or8w&t=201s) - Neurophysiology

06:01 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkjEdB0Or8w&t=361s) - Brain health

07:48 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkjEdB0Or8w&t=468s) - Geographical differences with alzheimer's

09:43 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkjEdB0Or8w&t=583s) - How alzheimer's disease appears

13:56 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkjEdB0Or8w&t=836s) - Optimizing the brain to be faster

14:56 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkjEdB0Or8w&t=896s) - How super athletes use neurophysiology

20:49 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkjEdB0Or8w&t=1249s) - Working with NBA & MLB athletes

25:09 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkjEdB0Or8w&t=1509s) - The correct way to use a cold plunge

30:24 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkjEdB0Or8w&t=1824s) - Aerobic affects on the brain

34:25 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkjEdB0Or8w&t=2065s) - BDNF & reversing brain age

42:02 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkjEdB0Or8w&t=2522s) - Effects of weight lifting on the brain

44:16 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkjEdB0Or8w&t=2656s) - Myokine affects on the brain

47:44 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkjEdB0Or8w&t=2864s) - V02 Max

51:01 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkjEdB0Or8w&t=3061s) - How muscle mass affects health

54:04 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkjEdB0Or8w&t=3244s) - Carbs vs protein vs sugar before workouts

01:01:15 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkjEdB0Or8w&t=3675s) - Mucoid plaques

01:04:12 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkjEdB0Or8w&t=3852s) - Cholesterol

01:14:03 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkjEdB0Or8w&t=4443s) - Sleep

01:23:40 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkjEdB0Or8w&t=5020s) - Creatine monohydrate

01:28:49 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkjEdB0Or8w&t=5329s) - Omega-3 fatty acids

01:32:52 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkjEdB0Or8w&t=5572s) - Nicotine

01:42:51 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkjEdB0Or8w&t=6171s) - Charlatans & fake gurus

01:46:56 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkjEdB0Or8w&t=6416s) - Gary Brecka

01:54:57 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkjEdB0Or8w&t=6897s) - Deep sleep

01:57:58 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkjEdB0Or8w&t=7078s) - Alcohol

02:00:14 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkjEdB0Or8w&t=7214s) - Testosterone

02:05:40 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkjEdB0Or8w&t=7540s) - Sports Concussion affect on the brain

02:12:34 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkjEdB0Or8w&t=7954s) - Sauna

[Anna70]

Oh wow....... I've been absent from this so very precious forum for far too long (I honestly don't understand why :unsure:), and the sheer number of new and most interesting posts in this thread has blown me away! Going by many of the messages posted here, it is evident how the, often unsuspecting, B12 deficient are being let down on a huge scale by health services in many countries. I see, too, that there are more who suspect that there is more to this, possibly even beyond profits for the pharmaceutical industry.

I hope to reply to some of the posts individually soon, as well as share some of my more recent experiences, but I'm still a bit slow at the moment. So for now I want to say a massive thank you to everyone for sharing so much good information, which will go on to inform and help others.

Much love to all here!!! :heart: :heart: :heart:

[Harmony]

Welcome back Anna70, missed you and hoping you are well:heart:

[Anna70]

Thank you so much for the warm welcome back words, Harmony! :heart: I have missed being here, so I'm puzzled as to how I've managed to leave it so long. I couldn't find an emoticon that looks as embarrassed as I feel about that!!

I'm not too bad, thank you, but still quite tired from a period of overdoing things, which still does not take much, unfortunately. Having said that, the B12 (hydroxo) injections, which I'm still taking (I try to have one every other day), are definitely making a big difference to how I was before I started, and when sometimes I leave it too long in between, I'll know about it. So it seems that even after all this time I'm still on 'loading doses'! (To be honest, I really don't know how people are expected to cope with only two weeks' worth of loading doses, to then be moved on to a monthly or so top up, if they are even offered any treatment at all!)

That reminds me, there is a link I want to share to this webpage by Dr Sarah Myhill (https://www.drmyhill.co.uk/wiki/B12_-_rationale_for_using_vitamin_B12_in_CFS), who specialises in ME/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. It is fascinating how many different mechanisms B12 plays a part in, not to mention the minefield of co-factors, which opens up yet another rabbit hole!

Getting these right is still an ongoing process. I know that the synthetic folic acid form of folate is no good for me, as I have one of those genetic blips (Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase/MTHFR), so I have been trying methyl folate and folinic acid instead, but from sessions with a kinesiologist it seems that my body does not like these either. I asked her if I should instead eat more folate rich food, as the B12 support groups seem to insist on the need for this when on B12 injections, but it seemed I was missing the point my body was trying to make, as the folate rich food samples she tested on me were also rejected by my body's response!! Thankfully the current B complex supplements I'm taking (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B084HH913J?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1) were fine, and they contain some folate as well (I only take 1 a day though. Incidentally, I wish they would not use the word 'folic acid' on the label when they mean a different form of folate!), so perhaps it was a matter of still having too much in my system from the previous ones I was on, which contained a ridiculously large amount, or my body has some unusual aversion to something that is supposed to be good for most people.

Speaking of the kinesiologist, I am reminded of Journeyman's very good point regarding Coeliac Disease. I confess that I've not had that tested officially, as I don't think I have got that. However, a Bioresonance test I had done years ago pointed out an issue with gliadin (ordinary gluten came up ok), and the kinesiologist found that my body rejected all three different types of wheat she tested me for, but that - luckily for a bread lover! - spelt and rye, which also contain gluten, albeit of a less problematic structure, were fine! So I now make my own spelt bread (thank heavens for my good old Panasonic breadmaker, which has several 'Speciality' (spelt) programmes), and that seems to be fine, although I can't say I ever consciously experienced the issues my body seems to have been having with wheat, so if the spelt should cause an issue, I might not be aware of that either. Anyway it seems wheat may well have been a contributing factor to the development of my B12 absorption issues, so that was a good shout, Journeyman!

I hope to reply to more posts soon. :heart:

[Anna70]

Wonderful thread Anna!
I wish I had found this before I became severely B12 deficient. I believe mine is caused by genetic mutations
and runs in my family. I was beginning to experience dementia and the B12 shots completely reversed it.
I would be glad to share my experience if anyone is interested.

I am so glad you are finding the thread of value! And I have been reading your posts with much interest. Genes definitely come into it, the not at all uncommon heterozygous MTHFR C667T in my case, and I can't help but wonder if my parents, who both ended up with Alzheimer's, might have been spared that horrendous disease, had they been treated with B12. It is so good to hear that you managed to completely reverse your symptoms!!!!!

[Anna70]

Wonderful thread Anna!
I wish I had found this before I became severely B12 deficient. I believe mine is caused by genetic mutations
and runs in my family. I was beginning to experience dementia and the B12 shots completely reversed it.
I would be glad to share my experience if anyone is interested.

Yes, it is :heart: :muscle:

I recently had blood tests done (April) and my B12 count was a shocker. I'd more than pleased if you'd share some of your experience too, when you feel comfortable doing it.

Essentially I've eschewed injections but am taking methylcobalamin supplements (5000mcg once per day). I've also reintroduced liver into my diet although perhaps the one food that contains extraordinary high natural levels of B12, clams, are a little tricky to come by here. And I've always got Marmite on hand as well. The issue I have almost exactly mirrors Anna's in that this is an absorption issue.

I'd agreed with my GP, who is most excellent by the way, that we'd experiment in a dietary way initially, get some more tests done, perhaps nearing that time in a month or so, and see if there's any improvement. None of us can be certain when, or if this has always been an issue but has reared its head as I get a little older.

Good to have an understanding GP on your side! :thumbsup: I really hope that you will manage to obtain sufficient B12 orally, but if not, don't be put off by the idea of injections if they should turn out to be the way to go. I'll always be a bit of a wuss when it comes to needles, but I've self-injected into my thigh muscles hundreds of times now, using this gadget (https://unionmedico.com/90-super-grip/) to help me with the tricky bit!

[Anna70]

Wow, Antagenet, so much of what you wrote resonates with me!!! Well done you, to find that doctor! :clapping:

[Anna70]

https://vimeo.com/891099138/4150efa06b

Another good video about B12

Just WOW!! This video should be compulsory viewing for all GPs!!! I am so grateful that you shared this, and I've forwarded it to two friends, who have similar conditions!!!!! :highfive:

Interestingly, Cytoplan happens to be the very company that my kinesiologist recommends, so that was a good sign right away! And while watching it, there were several moments where I was nodding my head in agreement with points that I rarely see addressed elsewhere. For instance, to make sure your B12 is treated before you start taking folate, to prevent (potentially irreversible) damage to the spinal cord (from around 37:30 into the video).
And what he said about the spike proteins affecting B12 is something that I have suspected for a long time, as Bell's Palsy, which became associated with the jabs, also features on the list of potential B12 deficiency consequences.

So many thanks to you, Antagenet, for sharing, and to Harmony and Tintin, for ensuring that this video is now safely stored in the archive!!! :heart:

[Anna70]

Thank you Antagenet for sharing your experience. I somehow missed your last post on July 5th and I found it very interesting to read. I will certainly by listening to the video you linked above.:bearhug:I am so pleased your health has turned around and you are on the mend now :heart:


For a while now, maybe 9 months or so that I know of anyway, I was diagnosed with anemia, which I did not use to have. I have been taking a liquid B multi vitamin that is suppose to be easily absorbable. When I went for my last test to check my blood count it was actually worse even after taking good iron supplents and I have been wonderig what is going on. This week after being on discord with Bill he mentioned maybe trying B12 injections.


I found the chemist does carry the ampules of the Hydroxocobalamin and also syringes. At first the chemist was hesitant to all them to be given without a perscription, but then they checked and it is ok, but they said it is recommended to check with your practitioner. (This is in Australia). It's all pretty easy to do, but it is advised to have another person present the first time incase you might be allergic to the formulation, or you could get the first one by a nurse if you are worried.


I think I am already feeling a difference and I will be hoping my next blood test will show that there is an improvement in my red blood cell count.


I have been thinking about strange things happening to people I know that are not vaccinated, but have had covid or think they had covid a few years ago. Some of the symptoms that seem to start up are more leg cramps, dry eye syndrome and other non diagnosed body symptoms. I do wonder if there are side affects for certain groups or blood groups after having covid, that are now sped up or something. I just thought I would mention that in case it helps any one else. Are we not absorbing our nutrients as well as we were before, and why?


So pleased to read that you seem to be feeling an improvement from your B12 injections. Well done on persevering and getting hold of them!! :highfive:

Something you probably already know, but which I felt compelled to mention when I read that you are in Australia, is that the hydroxocobalamin vials need to be stored below 25°C (not refrigerated though). I once inadvertantly ordered a batch just before a heatwave occurred :facepalm:, and I did not feel that was working anywhere near as well for me as it had done before. I asked the kinesiologist if she could test a vial from that batch and one that I had ordered later, during cooler weather, and the difference in the body's response was clear: the heat affected one had gone off!

[Anna70]

Thank you for the reminder on iodine, Ernie! :thumbsup: I'm taking this kelp (https://www.dolphinfitness.co.uk/en/now-foods-kelp-325-mcg-250-veg-capsules/153708) to hopefully cover that requirement.

[Harmony]

From Anna70 here (https://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?115544-Vitamin-B12-deficiency-what-is-going-on&p=1632675&viewfull=1#post1632675)


Something you probably already know, but which I felt compelled to mention when I read that you are in Australia, is that the hydroxocobalamin vials need to be stored below 25°C (not refrigerated though). I once inadvertantly ordered a batch just before a heatwave occurred :facepalm:, and I did not feel that was working anywhere near as well for me as it had done before. I asked the kinesiologist if she could test a vial from that batch and one that I had ordered later, during cooler weather, and the difference in the body's response was clear: the heat affected one had gone off!


Thank you Anna70, and yes that is what I am using, hydroxocobalamin vials, and I checked and on the back of the box it does say store below 25C, so thank you for letting myself and others know as summer time will be arriving before we know it here in Aus. I will be sure to take my esky with ice into town this summer to keep the temp. moderate :stars:

[Harmony]

Just updating as I have had another blood test result today. :sun: I have been on B12 injections, 2 ml of B12 per week for the past 2 months and I have noticed improvements in my energy and the way I feel.


My results today showed that my red blood cell count is no longer in the anemic range, but now in a normal lower range, so I am very pleased with that result. My iron levels are still low, but up just a bit, so I still have to keep going to get that up, and the B12 should help with that over time, but will need to focus on getting things balanced for a while.


Hoping everyone else is doing fine, thank you for all the good information everyone has posted in this thread. :heart:






Thank you Antagenet for sharing your experience. I somehow missed your last post on July 5th and I found it very interesting to read. I will certainly by listening to the video you linked above.:bearhug:I am so pleased your health has turned around and you are on the mend now :heart:


For a while now, maybe 9 months or so that I know of anyway, I was diagnosed with anemia, which I did not use to have. I have been taking a liquid B multi vitamin that is suppose to be easily absorbable. When I went for my last test to check my blood count it was actually worse even after taking good iron supplents and I have been wonderig what is going on. This week after being on discord with Bill he mentioned maybe trying B12 injections.


I found the chemist does carry the ampules of the Hydroxocobalamin and also syringes. At first the chemist was hesitant to all them to be given without a perscription, but then they checked and it is ok, but they said it is recommended to check with your practitioner. (This is in Australia). It's all pretty easy to do, but it is advised to have another person present the first time incase you might be allergic to the formulation, or you could get the first one by a nurse if you are worried.


I think I am already feeling a difference and I will be hoping my next blood test will show that there is an improvement in my red blood cell count.


I have been thinking about strange things happening to people I know that are not vaccinated, but have had covid or think they had covid a few years ago. Some of the symptoms that seem to start up are more leg cramps, dry eye syndrome and other non diagnosed body symptoms. I do wonder if there are side affects for certain groups or blood groups after having covid, that are now sped up or something. I just thought I would mention that in case it helps any one else. Are we not absorbing our nutrients as well as we were before, and why?

[RunningDeer]

Just updating as I have had another blood test result today. :sun: I have been on B12 injections, 2 ml of B12 per week for the past 2 months and I have noticed improvements in my energy and the way I feel.


My results today showed that my red blood cell count is no longer in the anemic range, but now in a normal lower range, so I am very pleased with that result. My iron levels are still low, but up just a bit, so I still have to keep going to get that up, and the B12 should help with that over time, but will need to focus on getting things balanced for a while.
https://i.imgur.com/u2d5YI1.gif Oh yay, Harmony!
Congrats and continued health. https://i.imgur.com/hLSasO3.gif

[Harmony]

Thank you so much Paula :bearhug:I will also be paying attention to Dr. Jack Kruse's video you kindly posted here (https://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?122220-Clif-High-Predictions&p=1636430&viewfull=1#post1636430) about the importance of the sunlight, limiting exposure to blue light, and your daily protocol to make the most of the information on a daily basis. :rose:





Just updating as I have had another blood test result today. :sun: I have been on B12 injections, 2 ml of B12 per week for the past 2 months and I have noticed improvements in my energy and the way I feel.


My results today showed that my red blood cell count is no longer in the anemic range, but now in a normal lower range, so I am very pleased with that result. My iron levels are still low, but up just a bit, so I still have to keep going to get that up, and the B12 should help with that over time, but will need to focus on getting things balanced for a while.
https://i.imgur.com/u2d5YI1.gif Oh yay, Harmony!
Congrats and continued health. https://i.imgur.com/hLSasO3.gif

[Bill Ryan]

The thread title is suddenly perfect for me. :) (What is going on?!)

I treated myself to a blood test a few days ago, very cheap and easy in Ecuador. (Just walk into a lab and ask them to please test X, Y and Z.)

To my astonishment, my B12 levels were very low – just under 86 pg/ml. They should be in the 500-700 range, as mine were when I last tested them in 2021.

I was glad I'd tested them again! I'm assuming it's easy to fix, and now I'm taking 3 different kinds of B12 supplements every day. I'll go for another test next month.

The problem is that I have no idea why this happened. I didn't have any symptoms that I was aware of. My diet includes lots of eggs, cheese and raw milk. That diet's not changed, and my B12 levels were high before. So it must be some kind of absorption issue.

:worried:

Moral of the story: never assume one's levels of anything are fine. And do check them regularly if it's easy and inexpensive to do so.

(And I have a parallel story about Vitamin D, shared on this different thread (https://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?43491-Vitamin-D-beats-vaccines-every-day&p=1650563&viewfull=1#post1650563))

[grapevine]

Growing MUSCLES Over 50 Years of Age

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWrzH4IBs-Q&ab_channel=Dr.EricBergDC (8:01)
Coincidentally I watched this today (I watch as many of Dr Eric Berg's videos as he posts and have to say his advice has turned my life around).

He mentions malabsorption of B12 at around 6:05 where he suggests taking Betaine Hydrochloride, and there are many brands on Amazon. 👍

[Bill Ryan]

Growing MUSCLES Over 50 Years of Age

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWrzH4IBs-Q&ab_channel=Dr.EricBergDC (8:01)
Coincidentally I watched this today (I watch as many of Dr Eric Berg's videos as he posts and have to say his advice has turned my life around).

He mentions malabsorption of B12 at around 6:05 where he suggests taking Betaine Hydrochloride, and there are many brands on Amazon. 👍Thanks, and that's really very useful. I do quite often take Betaine Hydrochloride, but only 1 capsule per protein meal and no more than 1 a day, while Dr Berg recommends 4 or 5. So maybe that's something for me to change very easily. :thumbsup:

[Bill Ryan]

I treated myself to a blood test a few days ago, very cheap and easy in Ecuador. (Just walk into a lab and ask them to please test X, Y and Z.)

To my astonishment, my B12 levels were very low – just under 86 pg/ml. They should be in the 500-700 range, as mine were when I last tested them in 2021.

I was glad I'd tested them again! I'm assuming it's easy to fix, and now I'm taking 3 different kinds of B12 supplements every day. I'll go for another test next month.
[ ... ]
(And I have a parallel story about Vitamin D, shared on this different thread (https://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?43491-Vitamin-D-beats-vaccines-every-day&p=1650563&viewfull=1#post1650563))This morning I checked it once again — this time going to a different lab, one that I'd consulted quite a few years ago. I'd only changed to another one because the first was physically a lot more of a hassle to drive to in the busy center of town.

Lo and behold, my results came back as "over 2000". (That's off-the-scale high. :muscle::facepalm:)

Believing it was low, I'd been supplementing myself for weeks with 5000 mcg/day. But without knowing, I was actually pushing myself into overdose. :P

So the mystery is finally solved. The lab I was going to before was simply producing false low results.*
* And exactly the same for my Vitamin D, which had also come back mysteriously low at the previous lab I was using. I've posted about that separately (https://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?43491-Vitamin-D-beats-vaccines-every-day&p=1671784&viewfull=1#post1671784) on the Vitamin D thread, because I do feel it's quite important to share the info.~~~

The smoking gun! :)

https://avalonlibrary.net/Bill/Bill_Ryan_blood_test_9_June_2025.jpg

[avid]

My Dr endocrinologist told me to stop D3 after taking 10,000iu’s daily for many years. Stating kidney stones, kidney failure. On recent scan no stones at all, anywhere. I had many operations for kidney stones until 45 years ago, nothing since. Who does one believe? Back on 5,000 iu’s D3 daily, as no flu, no colds for many years. Awaiting major test results for cortisol now, as he thinks I have Cushings Syndrome! They are always testing for stuff, now I have leukaemia, atrial fibrillation, as well as COPD. Ah well….