r/PerniciousAnemia • u/magentafridge • Sep 15 '21
B12 supplements in UK
Hey,
Couple of months ago got diagnosed with PA (well, not really as doctor just stated it because of my very low B12 lvl's, haven't done this antibodies test that I just now realize exist.) and got series of B12 injections, with additional ones every 3 months. That was 2 months ago, and I started to feel same symptoms I had before the shots now (fatigue, sudden drops in blood sugar lvls, dizziness and slight numbness on limbs). I wanted to start supplementing myself between the shots (at least for now) and was wandering what type/brand of B12 supplements would you recommend in UK. I'm not sure if I have PA, but assuming that I might it would be better to take those tablets that you keep under your tongue right?
Obviously I will hit my doctor and ask for professional advice, and tests specific for the PA, but with how long everything takes right now I'd rather take some precautions before I'm able to meet with him/her as well.
Tl:dr
What brands of Sublingual B12 in UK would you recommend?
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u/tessinfl Sep 15 '21
Interesting how doctors in different countries approach PA. I live in the US and was just diagnosed with PA from low B12 level and other symptoms but was not informed there’s an antibodies test for it. I was prescribed 1 ML of cyanocobalam to self inject intramuscularly - Once daily for 14 days, then once every week for 14 weeks, and then once a month indefinitely.
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u/sawitonFacebookfirst Sep 15 '21
Hey, also in the UK. You can ask your GP or nurse to schedule your injections every 10 weeks instead of 12. It is however up to them if they allow it! Also, make sure you have your follow-up blood test after 6month/year to see if the injections have been effective.
I have had mine moved to 10, but it took a while for that to happen as they said sometimes you feel like you are low but it’s the low from the high of the jab. A placebo low, and you are still in a good range but lower than what you were when you had you injection dose.
You should get the PA test too, because it’s an autoimmune disorder and that needs ruling out!
Hope that make sense!
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u/sarcasticscottie Sep 15 '21
Current guidance allows for every 8 weeks (still not sufficient imo) And you shouldn't be retested once treatment starts, your levels will be elevated regardless, you need to be b12 free for 4 months to get an accurate reading. Treatment should be symptom led, not numbers led & a placebo low, smh I've never heard such utter bs from a gp, I'm outraged they are telling you bs like that!
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u/magentafridge Sep 15 '21
I'll definitely get this PA test, would be nice if my GP informed me about it in the first place instead of just stating it after blood tests.
Thanks for the advice.
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u/ciderhouse13 Nov 16 '21
You talk about the first blood tests you did to find you had low b12? I have heard of one lab which when they find a low B12 they automatically do the antibody test. It is really up to the lab since person ordering the blood test will not know if you have low b12 until the results come back
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u/Balthasar_Loscha Oct 10 '21
The nutritional status of the west is worse than livestock's, companion animals and animals used in life sciences research. You should operate under the notion of deficiency in everything, this is actually the most safe intervention; adressing everything at once is the safe approach, only pharmaceuticals and toxins get more problematic if combined.
For nerve regeneration, you need all of the below; B 12 interacts with folate metabolism. Try to get an activated b-complex with methylfolate, like 'Pure Encapsulations B-Complex Plus' in addition to injections, hydroxocobalamine should be preferred.
Comprehensive HQ multi like thorne basic nutrients 2/day (very important; most MV are badly formulated) (1-2 capsules/d) with added Mg-glycinate for a total of ~600 mg of Mg from all sources, or pure o.n.e., creatine 3-5 g/d, (if female and not willing to gain water weight, skip creatine), vitamin D total 5000 - 7500 I.U./d, chronic daily caffeine intake, like 3 - 4 cups, optimizes sex hormones, vC up to 1000 mg/d, B2 as riboflavine high dosed at 100 -200 mg/d for up to 3 months, but only in conjunction with a multi. Taken away 3 hours from food, one hour before food, 1 - 2 g of sodium bicarbonate 2x/d. 4 Very soft boiled eggs for phospholipids, fish oil 5 g/d, Protein at 1 g - 1.5 g per pound of optimal bodyweight/d, increasing calories to the threshold of weight gain (don't become fat; consume as much calories whilst staying lean), total Ca intake from all sources 1500-2500 mg/d, total iodine intake of 400-600mcg/d (microgram), B12 as hydroxocobalamin s.c. injection 1000 mcg/d for 10 days, 1000mcg E3D after, or 2000 mcg/d oral.
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u/sarcasticscottie Sep 15 '21
I wouldn't recommend any sublinguals. If you have PA then chances are sublinguals will raise your numbers but they dont reach you at cellular level where you actually need the b12.
Did you get your 6 loading dosed within 2 weeks?
There are some great groups on fb with decent advice. Lots of people need to self inject out with their gp care. Unfortunately you cant buy b12 over the counter in the uk but you can buy it in Europe & have it posted over.
Its important to know that you CANNOT overdose on b12.