What is the reason for elevated vitamin B12 levels despite having deficiency symptoms?

Question

Hi doctor,

I had all symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency and have been on medications like tablet Esomeprazole, Omeprazole, and Pantoprazole for the last 16 years. So requested a test. The fasting test result shows 1522 pg/ml for vitamin B12 serum, a complete opposite of what I had expected. So I took regular vitamin B12 supplements for about ten days off and on before the test. After the test, and before the result came, I just started 5000 mg of sublingual vitamin B12. Three days ago. Of course, I will not take it anymore, but what should I expect? My doctor still needs to call me to go over the results.

However, I want to bring to your attention that I have been taking tablet Valsartan 160 mg for many years, and just a month ago, there was a recall on it; my pharmacist told me that my particular generic from the three manufacturers whose medications were contaminated with human carcinogens.

Please advise.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have reviewed your query, and here is my advice. Your main concern is regarding the high vitamin B12 level. Let me know if even a single supplement of vitamin B12 can increase your vitamin B12 level. You have been using the supplement for ten days. So that is the reason for elevated vitamin B12. After a few days of completing the course of vitamin B12, you can repeat your vitamin B12 estimation. Second, in every person, carcinogen exposure does not lead to cancer formation. However, now you can change the drug from a different manufacturer and look for any abnormal signs and symptoms if developed, like rapid weight loss, enlarged liver, spleen, lymph nodes, prolonged fever, etc.

You can investigate with complete blood count, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), urea, and creatinine estimation for preliminary work.

I hope I have answered your question.

Thank you.