Cat,

Often there is a relationship between low iron and low B12. Both need adequate stomach acid to be broken out of food. In addition to that, B12 also requires intrinsic factor for normal absorption.

So, many people malabsorb iron somewhat and malabsorb B12 worse.

rose

I have a question about monocytes and b12 levels. I am going for my b12 level on Wed. My dad had his checked last week and just got the results. His b12 level was 301, folate >24.0 , MCV 107, RBC were low normal range, His hcy was also elevated but I will have to call him and ask the #. They did not do an MMA test or If. The only other thing out of range was his monocytes they were 1183 the ref. range is 200 - 950. I know they may indicate inflamation but do they have anything to do with b12 levels? He has been symptomatic for 15 years! He said over the years he has asked doctors about the tingling and numbness in his feet but he never really got an answer. 2 years ago he had a milds stroke. Just before that he was diagnosed with a rare melanoma called desmoplastic melanoma. He has high blood pressure and high cholesteral. Iam very worried about him. His doctor did not think anything of the b12 because it is still in reference range ( big surprise there) Maybe my low b12 level is linked to his? He is 72 years old. If he had PA wouldn't he have more serious signs by now? Although he hates to go to the doctor even if he feels bad. I have to convince him to go for more tests. Any suggestions?

I don't know of a direct relationship to the low monocytes, but when the body is under assault they sure can be affected.

However, he might benefit greatly from B12. Deficiency is likely at his age (usually in would come on very slowly as a result of lessening stomach acid as one ages), and with MCV of 107, high homocysteine, and low RBC his situation veritably screams for B12.

Low acid is much more likely than lack of IF. And in either case the treatment is the same, because people with low acid can advance to lack IF.

If he were my dad I would get him on B12 right away. B12 isn't expensive or dangerous, and if he needs it delay is very dangerous.

Unless he is on blood thinners, I would also want him on a very good fish oil with extra DHA and EPA.

rose

I think he is on blood thiners. Almost certain of it since he had the stroke. Actually before the stroke he was on plavix. After the stroke the doctor said "well I guess we can consider you a plavix failer"

If he dose not get injections do you think 5000mcg of methyl b12 will work?

5000 mcg methylcobalamin will probably work much better than injections.

Best wishes,

rose

I just got back from my appointment and my b12 was 920. I told him that all my symptoms are the same with one new one. My vision is going blurry. Not all the time it comes and goes. I also woke up around 2:00 am one morining and had a heavy burning feeling in my lungs. I just thought I was getting sick. When I woke up later that morning it was gone. Anyway Doc thinks my b12 is good but he would like me to have an MRI and to see a neuologist to have some nerves and muscle tests. Iam begining to think this may not be b12, I guess time will tell.

I got the results back from my MRI and the Doctor said it showed microvascular disease. He wants to do further testing for Lupus, Ms, and Lyme disease. I was pretty freaked out. I wonder if this has anything to do with low b12 levels? My Hcy was normal. I also have to go see a neurologist. This seemed to have gone from a simple low b12 level to something much more. Dose anyone know anything about microvascular disease of the cerebral?

It's good that the doc seems to care. A person suspected of having MS, lupus, lyme, etc., could simply be suffering from the damage done by B12 deficiency.

However, maybe not. And of course more than one thing can be present.

So good thing the doc cares, but there is nothing that can cause a wider range of problems/symptoms than B12 deficiency if it is allowed to continue and attacks the nervous system.

So, I hope you continue to cover that possibility while being alert to others.

By the way, I would think your B12 level would be higher than 900 unless you absorb pretty badly. Other possibilities exist, but looks to me like B12 is a good possibility.

By the way, my eyes had been affected (doesn't happen with everyone, but does with some). I wasn't aware that they had until testing showed that they had improved markedly quite a while after beginning B12 treatment. I experienced a few episodes of severe blurring and double vision, and then eventually no problem. As a fringe benefit, now if I misplace my glasses I can wear a pair from the 1970s.

rose

I guess it's just the stress of this whole mess. I do think this doctor is a good one. He is the type to keep plugging away until he gets an answer. It's just hard being the patient when you have no patients!!