B12,Folate Deficiency plus ??

[anemicowl]

Hi folks:

I have been B12 and folate deficient since a rather extensive pyloroplasty
8 years ago and I get a cobalamin injection once a month and take 1600mcg
of folate orally per day. I also have a Factor V Leiden, a protein S deficiency
and take B6 in conjunction with the folate for homocysteine control.

I have a question that possibly some of the learned members of this forum might be able to shed some light on. I have high MCV and MCH levels which can indicate alchohol abuse which I have been acused of (I don't drink), but it also indicates anemia B12/folate. However, The high MCV indicates a macrocytic type while the MCH indicates a hyperchromic type. I have found volumes of information covering one or the other indicator being abnormally high but nothing when both are abnormally high.

Anybody want to take a shot?

Thanks and regards,
Stan (a newbie)

[mrsdoubtfyre]

Also... is it cyanocobalamin you are getting injected?

If you feel you are not doing as well as you would like, you can
change the therapy, you know.

There is an RX combo available now with all activated forms of all 3
vitamins:
Metanx
http://www.metanx.com/
You can ask your doctor to try it for you. You can also buy the 3 ingredients
separately OTC.

There are people who do not convert folic acid and pyridoxine into the active
forms of those vitamins. This would be a genetic error, and since you already
have one, I would see if you have difficulty in this area, and switch to another
therapy. Then you will have an answer of sorts.

[rose]

The most likely is a lack of sufficient usable form of one or more of those three vitamins.

I would not want to rely on a cyanocobalamin shot (most likely what you are getting). But even if it is hydroxocobalamin you can do better with methylcobalamin. No matter what the shots are, I would take 5000 mcg methylcobalamin per day (or more if you like) in addition.

Also, as MrsD says, better forms of the other two vitamins would cover some possibilities.

rose

[anemicowl]

Mrs. D. and Rose:

Thanks for the rapid replies. Yes it is cyano due primarilly to the 'cheap'
cost of the product. The methylcobalamin is extremely expensive here in Jersey as I am told about 10k percent more than cyano. Not even available through the local physicians or suppliers.

Here the deficiencies are viewed as nusances by physicians and unless the patient really puts up a strong argument for treatment, it will not happen.


Regards,
anemicowle

[rose]

It does not have to be injectible (which is much more expensive).

You can get it at a good health food store and some very exceptional pharmacies. The most inexpensive way is usually to order it from a reputable source. Many of us have ordered Jarrow Methylcobalamin from iherb.com (or other sources) for about $9. per bottle of 1000 mcg doses or about $19. per bottle of 5000 mcg doses. Daily oral doses that are large enough (at least 1000 mcg) have been proven effective, even in cases of severe malabsorption, for many many years.

You can get high quality methylcobalamin and a good B complex to take at a different time of day for a very reasonable price.


Here the deficiencies are viewed as nusances by physicians and unless the patient really puts up a strong argument for treatment, it will not happen.

Unfortunately, that is the norm elsewhere too. There are loads of physicians who are clueless as to this issue, even though good information is been accumulating in much of their literature for several decades.

Fortunately, you do not need a physician to treat B12 deficiency.


rose
http://roseannster.googlepages.com/home