[brainedout]

My B12 score was 140 pg/ML when I got tested in January (thanks for prompting me, mrsD!). I recently started on B12 shots; my GP recommended three shots a weeks over 8 weeks initially. She thinks I might have a problem with intrinsic factor and I also take meds for my GERD which can hinder absorption of B12 (thanks again, mrs D!). Now, because of my GERD, I can't take too much citrus fruits or vitamin C orally as my stomach will bloat. I'm thinking of getting vitamin C shots once a week at the same time as my B12 shots. My GP says she can administer them intravenously and simultaneously. My question is: can vitamin B12 interact with vitamin C negatively if administered this way?

[mrsD]

Well, when you take your oral B12, you need to take it alone on an empty stomach.

As far as Vit C goes, try the Ester C. It doesn't affect the stomach the same way as the plain regular does.

140 is really low. I hope you do 5mg of methylcobalamin for at least 3 months daily. When you are so low, the levels in your spinal cord and brain go way down too!

You can get good levels with oral if you do it wisely.
The shots are not methyl form either.

[brainedout]

Thanks for the prompt reply, mrsD.

My B12 shots are methylcobalamin. I'm still waiting for my Jarrow Formulas 5000 mcg to arrive as I'm currently working in a developing country with a rather bad rep for credit card fraud and iHerb has had to do some verification first hence the delay. They do deliver internationally though and you would have no problems if you were living in a developed country.

[mrsD]

Good... I'd stick with methyl B12 because you don't really know what is causing your problem. Maybe you have that MTHFR genetic error, which fails to methylate cobalamin and activate it.

I'd avoid cyanocobalamin because you just don't know why you are so low, and there has to be a reason.

[Nervous]

Originally Posted by mrsD

Well, when you take your oral B12, you need to take it alone on an empty stomach.

Just to be clear: Are you saying that you need to take B12 on an empty stomach with no other supplements? Or is it alright to take B12 with other supplements that need to be taken on an empty stomach?

I am currently taking B12 and Acetyl L-Carnitine on an empty stomach at the same time.

Thanks!

[mrsD]

If the supplements are fiber containing... I'd not take them.

If they dissolve well, it is okay. Fiber specifically absorbs the B12 like a sponge and prevents absorption.

Calcium and magnesium are also suspect because some studies show they interfere with thyroid hormone. Calcium is divalent and tends to complex things into insoluble form...so I don't know if it would do the same to the B12. Until we get that new promised enhanced absorbable one I think being very careful is best. If you have intact intrinsic factor, this situation is less critical as the intrinsic factor will combine with the B12 in the stomach and enable absorption of it. But when people come here with LOW test results one has to assume that things are not working well for some reason. So prudence should be practiced for success. Now if you take your B12 a specific way and get tested in 6mos and show good levels, then that is the way for YOU... testing is the only way to show what is working the best for you.

For example my doctor expected much higher Vit D levels for me, based on my intake. And they were not there! (for whatever reason). Testing revealed that.

[mymorgy]

i have pernicious anemia and have been taking b12 shots. I decided to start taking sublingual b12 tablets. I just ordered 1000 mg....is that okay? I plan to take them every day and then be tested in november
bobby

[mrsD]

1000mcg is low for a seriously pernicious patient.

If you hadn't ordered them already, I'd suggest 5000 to start daily. This is of the activated methylcobalamin type for best results.

Also you should take that on an empty stomach. Under the tongue is not necessary, but food will impair absorption.

Why don't you start at 2 tablets daily.

[mymorgy]

i already ordered the 1000 and just looked at iherb and only saw 3000 mg and no 5000...ugh...do you mean take 2 1000 a day?
bobby

[mrsD]

Yes, take 2 a day for a while.

Ideally it would be 5000mcg/day for 3 months or until your blood work comes up.

Only about 10% gets absorbed you know.