Originally Posted by glenntaj

--that would be decidely out of range from among those you mentioned would be the red blood cell count (RBC) and hemocrit.

The B12 is probably listed as in range but is low from my perspective.

What other blood test results are there (if you don't mind my asking)? Low B12 can certainly result in anemia.

The absolute lymphocyte count of 1300 is low end of normal, but well within range. The proportion of cell types among the white blood cells (neutrophils, lymphocytes, basophils, eosinophils) certainly vary with infectious status; in healthy individuals they vary widely across individuals, but tend to stay fairly consistent within individuals over time. My lymphocyte counts are always in the 1250-1350 range. In fact, they tend to be in a very narrow range around 1300 most of the time. My neutrophils are always around 5350-5500. And so on.

The urine specific gravity is a bit low, but the most common cause for that is drinking too much fluid (sometimes it can mean kindey infection--if that is suspected you might be given a more specific osmality test). Diabetic kidney damage (and dehydration) would more likely result in higher specific gravity.

Originally Posted by Marlene

In addition to correcting the RBC/hematocrit, B12 can also help normalize the white cells. Nutrients that play a key role in blood production are B12, folate, B6, iron, copper and zinc. These are just the heavy hitters. So in addition to the B12, you may want to add in a B-complex that has the bio-available form of vitamins. And if you haven't already, at some point, get your copper, iron and zinc tested. I would NOT supplement with iron or copper until you know what they are.

You really can't draw any definitive conclusions from just one blood draw unless they are really out of range. Even then, you need to rerun the tests again. You would be surprised at how easily they mess up a blood draw.

Originally Posted by hopeful

Hi Marlene,
You answered the question I just asked glenntaj. I was asking if increasing b12 would take care of the RBC & HCT.

The only other one tested out of those you mentioned was folate. My level was 18.9.

I don't see my rheumo for a few more months but I will ask him to check my cooper, iron & zinc.

In the past I have had issues off and on with anemia. The doctor always up me on iron. I really don't want to do that again so I'm going to start with the B 12.

Thanks!

Originally Posted by glenntaj

--you can list all your lab results if you want (and you certainly wouldn't be the only one here who has).

B12 deficiency results in many problems--neurological, hematological, musculoskeletal . . .often, the symptoms are subtle and inspecific at first, but over time become more pronounced.

The good thing is that B12 deficiency can almost always be easily treated, and these days it can be treated through oral supplementation cheaply, without constant visits for B12 injections. But the recovery from B12 deficiency can be long and involve various relapses and remissions, peaks and valleys, as the body used it for rebuilding and then attempts to rebuild stores.