B12 six times higher than normal with supplements. Why?

Question

Hello doctor,

I recently had a blood test and was found to have a B12 content nearly six times higher than 10 months ago, of about 1700. I have been taking B12 supplements for about six months, which I have now stopped. Could the supplement (2000 mg/day) be the cause of the hike, or is there an underlying issue?

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to the icliniq.com.

The very common cause for elevated B 12 is the B 12 supplement or injection intake. So in your case, high B 12 might be due to B 12 supplement intake. Hence it is advisable to stop B 12 supplement now. However, other causes also should be screened like myeloproliferative neoplasm and liver or kidney disease. For myeloproliferative neoplasm, you need to investigate with full CBC (complete blood count) and peripheral smear examination report.

To rule out kidney and liver disease, you need to investigate with SGPT and serum urea, creatinine estimation. In liver or kidney disease, B 12 metabolism and excretion is affected. So you should rule it out. Finally, I want to tell you that B 12 is water-soluble vitamin and so if the kidney is functioning well then it can be excreted in the urine. I hope I have answered your question and will be beneficial to you as well. I am glad to help you further if needed.