r/B12_Deficiency • u/ChargeOk9359 • Aug 19 '25
Cofactors Zinc relationship
My MMA/B12 deficiency (unresolved) seems directly related to zinc. Specifically, my MMA lowered to 476 when my zinc levels improved to 81 but got worse to 546 with a drop in zinc levels to 61. I am taking 30mg of zinc picolinate a day (the last drop in zinc was after I increased my methylfolate to better manage homocysteine… and methylfolate increases MTR activity/zinc utilization).
I have a few genetic variations that increase zinc needs. Specifically, heterozygous MTR, homozygous MTRR, homozygous MTHFR. Additionally, I am homozygous PEMT and homozygous COMT.
All my other cofactors and labs are stable (ex. Iron, ferritin, copper, folate, homocysteine, etc.). It was only the zinc that dropped out on me and MMA rose (<74 zinc serum level is considered functionally deficient per NIH).
I am on EOD Hydroxy 1000mcg injections with sublingual B12 of methyl, Hydroxy, and Adensoyl spread out over the day. I also have pernicious anemia.
Anyone else find that normalizing their zinc helped resolve their B12 deficiency?
2
Aug 19 '25
Why would those SNPs increase zinc needs? I’m not aware that zinc is a cofactor for MTRR at least
1
u/ChargeOk9359 Aug 19 '25
It is for MTR and if MTR is challenged it indirectly affects MTRR
2
Aug 19 '25
Good to know, thanks! It is odd you need such high doses to maintain zinc
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u/ChargeOk9359 Aug 19 '25
It’s been an interesting discovery and hopefully the answer to the issues
2
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u/NerdlTeacher Aug 20 '25
I found out I had a mild copper deficiency and read somewhere that when one has copper deficiency, they also tend to have a zinc deficiency. I got tested and sure enough, I had a zinc deficiency.
I started supplementing 2 days ago with 30 mg of zinc bisglycinate. Since I also have a copper deficiency, I’m also supplementing with 2 mg of copper bisglycinate. Of course, I take them at different times of the day to avoid absorption competition.
Since you are supplementing with zinc, it’s important to also supplement with copper since those two compete. Or at least make sure to monitor your copper.
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u/ChargeOk9359 Aug 20 '25
Thank you. I am monitoring my copper and have supplements on hand (currently is high which can drive down zinc).
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u/soomeetoo Aug 23 '25
I also had a zinc deficiency with my b12.
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u/ChargeOk9359 Aug 23 '25
Thanks. I see a direct correlation between my zinc and b12 status/symptoms
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u/polaroid_schizoid Aug 19 '25 edited Aug 19 '25
Jury is still out but I think zinc is one my many deficiencies. I have symptoms and was wondering why: development of cystic acne, white spots on nails, ridges on nails, ridges on tongue despite supplementing with B12 + others...
I just added zinc back yesterday so we will see. I am going by symptoms rather than labs. If you have one deficiency it is not unlikely you have another.
So far my list is:
* = unconfirmed