Consistently Elevated B12/No supplements/ Mrs. D?
 

I've been trying to search through the forum, because I have seen this previously discussed and cannot find my answer. My B12 without supplements was 1936 last year and 1783 this year. My doctor says she has no idea why it is so high.

Mrs. D: I remember you saying there is a test that I can request to see if there are absorption issues. What is that test?

I know it can be a sign of other illnesses, but since it's high year after year, I would think I would be showing other signs if it were something like that. All other tests were fine. My D level was 37.

Thanks so much!

I think the MMA test will help explain things. If it is high, then that elevated B12 is not working...suggesting you are not activating it to its methyl form.

There is B12 in some fortified foods. So look at food labels etc to see if you are getting it that way.

Some kidney problems cause B12 to build up. Some blood cancers, (bone marrow issues), and some liver problems.

Severe imbalances in intestinal flora may cause elevations, but this is less understood or proven.

I had a high level at 1999 when I was testing 5mg of Puritan's Pride methyl B12 for 3 months, when they first offered it. Normally my levels are in the 800's when not taking extra.

In the event the MMA test is high, what can be done to change the way my body is absorbing the B12?

Your body will absorb...you cannot change that.

But if you are not utilizing it, your body will signal to conserve it for conversion, and if that is not happening..it will build up.

I suspect you are consuming something and not realizing it.
It is not common to be so high normally. Looking for kidney problems would be a good idea too.

Once you find the problem and fix that, the levels should normalize. The B12 itself is not harmful so don't worry about that. Its high level is only a signal to find what is causing it.