I have peripheral neuropathy which results in numbness of the front part of both feet. I do not have diabetes, but it does run im my family. What range of B-12 should I shoot for? I have read that the range listed in blood tests is not adequate for people with neuropathy.

Rose is our B12 expert, but i don't think she would mind me helping out, she recommends NOT LESS the 1 mg or 1,000 mcg daily methylcobalamin supplements, also a good multi B supplement daily.
Its a personal choice when you take the multi B but i like to take it in the morning and take the b12 some other time during the day usually taken on a empty stomache.
What is your B12 levels now ? have you been classed as idopathic Neuropathy or not yet diagnosed ?

Brian

I already take of B-12 and a B Complex. What I want to know is what the range of the blood tests should be. I recently doubled my B-12 to 2 grams per day. Before doubling my reading was 895. After doubling it is greater than 1000, with no further information how much greater than 1000 it is.

I'd aim for over 1000. Much higher is fine.

Good job, Brian.

rose

Thanks Rose,

I had blood drawn today for another test which will be sent to another Laboratory if the readings are greater than 1000. The local labs do not discriminate for any value above 1000.

I do not think I have B-12 deficiency, but I will stay on 2 grams of methycobalimin.

B-12, what you don't asorb or need simply goes out. Do watch the B-6 tho, that hangs around and can aggravate PN.
B-1 also doesn't hang around in your system.
Just some things to keep in mind.
Hope this helps - j

Herb,

Apparently you do not have B12 deficiency now. Of course, that doesn't mean you didn't have it, and it doesn't mean that you won't have it in the future if you don't keep taking it, at least periodically.

You want full B12 stores forever to support healing and future health.

Best wishes,

rose

Hoibie: I take minimum 5000 mcgs a day (in the a.m. on an empty stomach). Some days I break it up and I'll take another one mid afternoon. That makes 10,000 in one day.

My burning is significantly less so for me, it's a good thing. No side effects whatsoever.

Just wanted to share.

Melody

I'm not saying this is for any of you but just a thought on blood testing. I was going over my past blood work from years ago to now. I was in a hospital before years ago and had blood work a few times a week. Anyhow years ago when I was malnurished more then 40 pounds under,my hair was falling out,and the heart monitor was beeping and was in a cardica unit my blood work was better then now. All my vitamin issues like b12 so on were normal? Now healthy weight my vitamins is still fine just liver,white blood issues. I guess my ? or concern is how accurate is blood results sometimes and then what is one to do?

Many tests are not answers in themselves. Some are just plain unreliable; some are affected by other nutrient levels, conditions, toxins, etc.; and often the same-old-tests are ordered over and over without ordering more sensitive ones, or ones that need to be evaluated along with the same-old-tests.

Unfortunately too many doctors just look at the out of "normal" range items, when an overall analysis is often needed. And more and more, there are doctors who say all is normal when one or more things are dramatically high or low.

Regarding the B12 test, it was shown unreliable decades ago. A "normal" B12 level does not rule out deficiency, but most doctors still don't know that, and even fewer knew it years ago.

rose