Question about B12 regimen
 

Hi everyone- I am having problems with memory, concentration, numbness, tingling, balance, coordination, headaches, dizziness. My MRI was negative and I am waiting for a neuro appt.

I am currently on two Protonix a day and I have been on prilosec, nexium as well over 10 years- with about a one year break a few years ago. I also have had my gall bladder removed and I had a huge stone removed from my bile duct-both in 2006.

Shelley suggested on another thread to look into B12 methyl. My PCP said my B12 was "normal", however after reading through posts here for the last few hours, I called my doc and was told my B12 is 451 which is under the 500 that has been discussed here.

I am going to order the Jarrow B12-5000 to start with. I have noticed other posts about B6, Folic acid, Magnesium and Omega 3. Should I start any of those now or wait to see how the B12 methyl works? If so which ones should I buy and how and when should I take them. I already have read to take the B12 on an empty stomach. How many hours before I eat should I take it?

Thank you so much.

Flyersfan

Hi,
I was wondering , are your symptoms all over or located in any specific areas?

As far as numbness and tingling, about a year ago it was just the hands and only at night in bed. In the past month or two, this has progressed to the feet as well. At times I also have numbness/tingling in my face, tongue, nose and right leg and now it is anytime-day or night. I also have horrible itching all over.

Thanks:)

Flyersfan

Hi there.
Just noticed your post.
I take 5000 each and every morning of Methyl B-12.

I then go out to breakfast which is about 20 minutes later. I have LITERALLY no problems, and it's the best thing I ever did.

So best of luck,

Melody

Thank you MelodyL!! :D


Flyersfan

The cobalamin B12 molecule--
 

--is among the largest that the body uses on a regular basis; it is therefore very easy to interfere with its absorption (probably part of the reason B12 deficiency is more common than is generally believed).

Taking oral methylcobalamin (or even cyanocobalamin) im large doses is designed so that even through passive absorption, sufficient cobalamin will get through to provide enough for most normal needs. In a 1000mcg dose, perhaps 1-2% will get through (10-20mcg), but since figures on the daily requirement for cobalamin are usually set around 8mcg, this is usually enough for most people. People who are deficient or who need tissue repair often go above this though, often to 5000-10000mcg daily.

Still, it's probably best if one takes one's cobalamin seperately from anything else--I generally have mine at least two hours after a meal and at least one hour before, trying to time it to as empty a stomach as possible.

Just a couple of thoughts I had

While I bet the protonix and the nexium type products help gerd they maybe reducing some of the enzymes or acid needed for absorption of B12 among other things. So you could be malabsorbing nutrients and supplementing might very well be a good idea.

Something that went hand in hand for me when it came ot the malabsorption was iron. Like B12 which is a big molecule and hard to absorp i also was iron deficient anemic. And iron deficiency can also cause neuropathy type symptoms. But do not mess with iron unless a doc tests you for it although a daily vitamin with some iron in it probably would not hurt you. You can ask for a total iron, total iron binding capacity and ferritin test.

And just because we are on deficiencies you should also test your vitamin d as well. There is a great deal of evidence that there is a good deal of D Deficiency in the US and this can cause muslce pain and weakness.

:hug:

I get headaches with proton pump inhibitors and my guess others do as well. Axid doesn't cause this for me, but should not be used for long periods of time.

Thank you so much glenntaj and Vowel Lady- I appreciate your help! :D

Shelley- When I was at my PCP's office, she mentioned my iron was low-normal but low. She told me to eat more foods with iron but did not mentione a supplement. After reading these boards and finding out my B12 score yesterday, I am driving down to my PCP's office to get a print out of all the blood work and the MRI. I will bring up the low-normal iron when I see her again. I will also check the printout for Vit D as well. Thanks.


Thanks so much everyone. This forum is great!

Flerysfan

I'd get some liver testing.
 

Severe itching all over if not due to allergy (to drugs or foods)
can indicate liver disease. (and sometimes gall bladder malfunctions).

Two Protonix a day for a long time is problematic.
This family of drugs deplete-- folic acid, calcium, zinc, B12, and iron, and magnesium. It has recently been shown, that proton pump inhibitors also increase incidence of osteoporosis.
http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/296/24/2947

I think you should start the supplements you listed. They provide health benefits for everyone.
See my magnesium thread here, to help you choose a magnesium that really works well. (magnesium oxide is useless).