Originally Posted by glenntaj

--pabb is probably commenting on the rather Caucasian features in the picture.

Genetically speaking, while celiac/gluten intolerance is more widespread than previously thought, it is still most common in those of Northern and Western European descent. (Such people have a genetic background that makes them prone to all sorts of autoimmune syndromes.) People with blue eyes and fair complexions should probably be tested immediately, though testing should not be limited to them.

With frank celiac, the villi of the small intestine can be damaged sufficiently that all sorts of malabsorption symptoms can occur, and yet many people with such damage are otherwise only slightly symptomatic or asymptomatic, until nutrient malabsorption triggers a cascade.

We have had some people on these boards who have said, at least insofar as B12 levels are concerned, that they only had small, nagging symptoms until some point at which they tripped and began to deteriorate rapidly. Our beloved Rose, who really began a lot of the threads here and on Braintalk on her problems with B12 deficiency, and who did a lot of research into the subject, was one. She was lucky to emerge relatively intact--she was misdiagnosed for a long time. (And part of the reason for that, as she and others have pointed out, was that her B12 levels were being interpreted as "normal", as your 260 was--those lower range limits, most of us agree, are much too low.) You can read her story and a lot about B12 here:

http://roseannster.googlepages.com/home

Another person who has had an interesting B12 history is Cara (jccglutenfree), most likely due to gluten sensitivity (her family is full of people with malabsorption problems, due to gluten and other factors. Cara invented the Gluten File, probably the most comprehensive database on the subject yet accumulated, and it's definitely worth reading some of that material:

http://jccglutenfree.googlepages.com/

Originally Posted by Jay1980

Hello friends,

I'm new around here (Hi ), and had some concerns with vitamin b12. First let me give you a brief background.

I'm a 29 yr old male, in good shape. I work out regularly, and watch what I eat. Back in Early January, I noticed a slight burning pain in my upper back. Within a week, that burning sensation was all over my back, waist line, and arms! It was horrible! Like a terrible terrible sunburn, yet no rash or anything! I went to the ER 3 times that week, because the pain was so intense, and my anxiety and fear only made it worse. The ER did absolutely nothing... They only said my vitals are fine, and I have to follow up with a neurologist.

My family physcian ordered blood tests, for autoimmune diseases, HIV, Thryroid, lyme, liver function, kidney function, cbc, and vit b12.

Everything turned out normal, except my Vitamin B12 Level was at 260. According to the Lab Values, that was borderline low, but still considered "normal". My doctor started giving me weekly b12 shots for 4 weeks, to boost the levels back up. 5 weeks later, after my first b12 test, my levels were at 850, and was I feeling soo much better. Some slight burning but nothing like how it was. The doctor stoped the injections, and asked i supplement bith 1000 IU B12 pills, and a good B Complex. Which I now take everyday.

Mean while, I've done alot of reading on B12, and asked my doctor to test me for Pernicious Anemia and Instric Factor. The tests show, I dont have the Anemia, and I do have the Instric Factor. So I am unsure WHY my B12 level dropped like it did. Though I never really took any vitamins, I was always a heavy meat eater.

Anyway, Last week I got another b12 level test (4 weeks after my 850 score) and it dropped to 540! I dont understand why?? I take so much Vitamin b12, every day! I thought my body is suppose to store YEARS worth of b12, why would it deplete again so fast?

I am so worried it will drop really low, and the burning pain will be really bad again. I have another appointment with my doctor, but that isnt until 2 weeks from now.

If anyone has any idea, I'd really, really appreciate it! Why Cant I absorb B12? The tests show I do have the instrict factor. I'm getting really concerned...

- Jason

Originally Posted by cindyd

Hi Jason, your doctors first mistake was to stop your injections. I too suffered from B12 deficiency. I had very bad pain pop up in places that I didnt even know had a problem. Neck, upper back, shoulders, hip. I have always been a very active person physically. Put me down big time. You need to follow the advise on the Jarrows MethylB12. No one told you about the other active form of B12. AdenosylB12. It is also needed for healing. Here are a few more needed for maxium healing effects. Megafolonic 800. B-Complex with the MethylB12 in it. I can give you brand names for the complex and Megafolonic that people here have used with success. I was misdiagnosed for quite some time and pain was pretty intense. Also was in ER a few times. B12 deficiency causes degeneration of the spine and the mylen sheath to deteriorate, causing nerve probs. I had the burning pain you describe in middle of my back to the right of my spine. It just happens that I have 2 vertebrae that are slightly turned. (Never knew it because it never hurt before I got sick) Felt like it was on fire there. Ice helped temp. Healing is the only way it went away. Muscles in shoulders, upperback and neck ended up in a mess of knots. Took years to undo. It did get better tho. Follow the advise and keep us posted. TTYL

Originally Posted by mrsD

I am sorry.... but I don't agree that B12 can come from Veggies.

The B12 mammals use is manufactured by bacteria.
It is thought that some people may be able to use B12 made in their own intestines, but this does not hold for everyone.
(antibiotics used today have disrupted just about every person on the planet).

Folic acid however IS found in green leafy veggies.

You can Google B12 and read the arguments on the net about B12 and veganism. Some vegetarians insist that B12 can come from plants still.