I certainly am not an authority on B12, but I was B12 deficient too, and celiac. Has your ferritin been tested again? 3 is way too low, they say to aim for 50, and I thought mine is low at 26. B12 at 216 is too low, 163 is definitely too low. I take 5000mcg of B12 now, was on 3000mcg when I was tested in July, and my level came back at 1015. Are you still doing the shots? I am positive we will have to take B12 for the rest of our lives just to keep the level steady.

hello thanks for reply. 12 months ago b12 710, ferretin 11- took iron for 3 months and still on b12 shots and have been takin sublingual b12. trying to get exact results from 6 months ago from neurologist has proved impossible even gp has no exact numbers his report just says results within normal limits. next neurology appt has been delayed from march to june 09. means taking gabapentin for another 3 months without really discussing it.

You really need those numbers! Doctors call normal anything above 250, which is still too low. To heal you should be at least at 1000 or so.

Also you need the other B-complex vitamins, and some magnesium, and a test for Vit D levels.

Many nutrients are affected by Celiac, not just B12.
You could be low in B6, folate, riboflavin etc as well.

To repair nerves the body uses B6, folate, B12, essential fatty acids in the Omega-3 family plus methyl donor foods (root veggies like beets). Omega-3's are metabolized by magnesium and B6, and B6 is activated in the body by riboflavin B2.

It gets pretty complicated when you malabsorb nutrients.

That iron number is still just too low. It needs to be between 50 and 70.

Iron deficiency can also cause burning and tingling neuropathy like symptoms.

I have an iron deficiency and had problems getting any results from the over the counter iron supplements.

There is a good prescription iron med out there called repliva that has helped me significantly. Please ask your doc for it.

Here is a post I made on iron deficiency. Its about half way down the thread.

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/sh...ron+deficiency

Thanks for your replies. I am making myself a to do/buy list and will be sorting myself out over the next week!

Hello gfgal !!!

I can say since taking my B complex pills (B1, B2, B6, B12), my neuropathy, pains, burning feet and hands feel waaaaay much better !
The B complex works as good as my lyrica So, Im sure once you increase your B levels, you will feel better.

Good luck !

I'm not sure but in japan i think the b12 levels for malabsorbancy are under 300. and also there's a lab which you can get blood tests done, if you're doctor doesn't use them. its called directlabs.