HomeAnswersInternal Medicinevitamin b12I did a blood investigation and found a lack of vitamin B12. Why has this happened?

Why are my vitamin B12 values low?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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Published At February 15, 2022
Reviewed AtOctober 17, 2022

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I did a blood investigation and found a lack of vitamin B12. Why did this happen to me? Should I take any supplements? Can you please give me your advice on this?

Thank you.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thanks for writing in, and I understand your concern. Based on your reports (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity) the vitamin D level 37.2 ng/ml, is normal. You need not take vitamin D supplements. I would rather suggest you a calcium and vitamin D-rich diet regularly. You have a low-normal value of vitamin B12 that is 183.8 pg/mL. Do you have any symptoms of peripheral neuropathy like pins and needles sensation? Any blood smear test performed to look for megaloblastic anemia? Usually, vitamin B12 deficiency is seen with an individual who is a strict vegetarian. Otherwise, an investigation should be done to find the cause of this deficiency. The indications for starting cobalamin are megaloblastic anemia and neuropathy. Hence, I asked you the above questions. If there are no malabsorption symptoms and other tests are normal, repeat serum B12 assay after six months to decide whether to start cobalamin therapy or not. Please see a physician regarding this.

Regards.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for your response.

Yes, I have peripheral neuropathy like pins and needles sensation in addition to coldness. I am a strict vegetarian only during dinner and not otherwise. The doctor said my regular tests were all good. I took a medicine to cure high blood pressure and noticed that potassium and phosphates were under range. Why has this happened? Would you please give me your opinion on this?

Regards.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

You mention you have symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. I suggest you take replenishment of vitamin B12 that is six intramuscular injections of 1000 microgram hydroxocobalamin per week. Please consult your doctor for the above treatment since you have neuropathy symptoms. He will ask you about other neurological signs and whether or not to initiate the treatment. Which medicine are you talking about? Kindly write correct medicine to guide you better.

Regards.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Basuki Nath Bhagat
Dr. Basuki Nath Bhagat

Family Physician

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