Why is vitamin B12 absorption reduced in the body?

Question

Hi doctor,

I have a few problems. Vitamin B12 is not being absorbed in my body. CRP level is high. Vitamin D is low. MPV is high. Platelet count is normal, but the patient has elevated homocysteine levels. Kindly suggest what has to be done.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Vitamin B12 needs a high oral dose that has to be taken. Moreover, PPI (proton pump inhibitor), antibiotic therapy, intense gastritis, etc., further reduce its absorption. I suggest taking intravenous (IV) Vitamin B12. Take it according to the local guidelines. CRP (C-reactive protein) is a non-specific indicator of inflammation. It might be raised in infections, especially bacterial and autoimmune disorders. It should be evaluated with the ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) test. I suggest taking injectable Vitamin D first and then shifting to oral preparations for a speedy recovery. It is usually low in indoor workers, low diet intake, and non-fortified foods. Homocysteine is only on the borderline. It is raised with the absorption of folic acid in the absence of vitamin B12. It is not an alarming sign in your case. A high MPV (mean platelet volume) indicates the large size of platelets. It is significant if the platelets are critically low or high. Platelets are also enlarged in stressful conditions of the body.

I hope everything is clear. Do write back if anything needs further elaboration.

Thank you.