I've seen 2 neuros and they've ordered up pretty much every test I've read about, save one -- glucouse intolerence. I'm requesting that at my next appointment in 2 weeks.

Regarding B12 tests, mine were normal. But, I'm reading elsewhere that B12 tests seem to variable with results all over the map even for the same person. So, I'll look at that one again. And perhaps request a repeat.

Question for people here that are experiencing some good results from B12 supplements:

- Were your B12 test results "normal", but you're still seeing benefit?
- Or, were your test results "low" and that's why you're using B12?

I appreciate this feedback greatly.

Ed

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi. I wish I could tell you what my B-12 Levels were BEFORE I began the Methyl B-12 but I do know one thing. Every blood test I took never indicated any abnormality with B-12 levels. But then again have you seen the BIG range of B-12 levels? What some consider normal, (WHEN YOU HAVE NEUROPATHY), well, it's NOT normal.

I am living proof (well in my case anyway, lol), that when you get your first burning and pins and needles symptoms of diabetic neuropathy and you begin taking Methyl B-12 the next day and YOU FEEL BETTER IMMEDIATELY, well, I don't know how else to look at it.

Just to clear this up. I was diagnosed with diabetic neuropathy long before I had a symptom. I had been in my doctor's office (in the ACCORD PROGRAM), and she put some filament thing on the tips of my toes and I didn't feel anything and she said "you have the beginning of Neuropathy". Knowing what my husband had gone through for almost 20 years I said "but I can stop the progression, right?" She said "well, you have to get much tighter control of your blood sugar". Now when I found this out, I was not knowledgable about B-12 and neuropathy. I just wasn't.

But a year later when I was in my podiatrist's office and he was cutting my toenails and he ran some vibrating thing over my nails, my WHOLE FOOT WOKE UP with such pins and needles that I wanted to kill him. I was buzzing till I got home. My doctor kept saying "good, good, you have feeling". I wanted to kill him.Who needed this buzzing? I now knew a bit of what my husband and others have been dealing with.

I immediately knew what I had to do. I started the 1000 of the Methyl b-12 and within one week I knew I needed the 5000 and I've been on it ever since. Oh, once....I tried to save money by buying the 3000 (of a cheaper brand). I knew within one week I had to go back to the 5000 of the Jarrows Brand. I get it from IHERB.COM.

Now I'm not trying to push anything here. I am just telling my story.

I also have good control over my blood sugar. I am a fanatic over what goes into my body. I learned to stabilize my blood sugar by eating every few hours. Never knew this. I just thought diabetes was HIGH SUGAR IN THE MORNING.

I've learned much from coming on these message boards.

So you have absolutely nothing to lose and you just might catch a break if you do the Methyl b-12 thing.

One thing it does do is give you energy. I don't need naps. I go out for my walks every day. I attribute this to my B-12. And I did ask the doctors. They DO NOT BELIEVE IT HAS ANYTHING TO DO WITH B-12. Odd, isn't it?

Best of luck.

Melody

Hi Again
Will increase the B12 to 5000...what the heck nothing to lose. mrs. D mentioned Folic acid (already take that)...take so much cant remember it all.
Here's hoping!!!!

Hi Ed, can you find out what was your B12 level when tested & post it here, what some doc's class as normal b12 levels can be very questionable to say the least.

Brian

Will do. I see her the week after next.

I intend to ask for a copy of all my test results (pages and pages of them).

Thanks,

Ed

Mine was 600 and I felt really bad.
Now I take a B50 and the 5 mg. a day of B12.
Although things are not perfect, this did help with energy.
Eventually, I'll probably lower the B12...but my doc is not in a hurry.
I was very happy that he mentioned the test and told me to take the extra vitamins and also pleased to see so many advocates on this website.

I now have the results of most all of my lab results since Jan.

My B12 level, when tested, was 582.

Is that "supplement worthy"?

Thanks,

Ed

Though the reference ranges in the US start around 200 as a minimum acceptable level, most of us here--and most o ther first world countries--think that figure is much too low. In Japan and most parts of Europe, the reference range starts at 500-550. Many of us would consider a range in the 700's (depending on whether supplements have been taken recently) to be a more acceptable minimum--and many of us here keep our levels well into four figures if we can.

Since B12 cannot hurt you, and it is cheap to use, you could do worse than to start on a 1000mcg dose daily--more if you like. An amount that large allows a decent amount of passive absorption even if you are malabsorbing from food due to stomach or other issues, so long as you take it apart from food or other supplements and meds (I'd say at least an hour window either way).

If you can, see if you can get methylcobalamin rather than the more common cyanocobalamin--the former has to go through far fewer metabolic hoops to be used (and who wants cyanide radicals that have to be eliminated from the body anyway?). One can get these in sublingual form--they can be held under the tongue and dissolve slowly.