B12 deficiency

[noahs.mom06]

My B12 levels were low last summer when my dr. ran labs, so when my MW ordered my prenatal labs a few weeks ago, she added that test on, and they're still low. All of my other labs are fine. The B12 number is not below the reference range, but it is way on the low end of what's considered "normal", not too far from being below the reference range. Does anyone have experience with this? Especially during pregnancy? From what I've found online, it can be caused by a number of things, including celiac disease... I've been gluten-free for about a year, and have noticed a huge difference in how I feel, but haven't been tested. Before I went GF, I showed most of the symptoms of B12 deficiency, but I can't remember if my doctor checked my levels then; we were far more concerned about ruling out lupus and MS... everything I've seen online pretty much says the only way to raise your levels is with injections, and that usually you need them for the rest of your life. I'd really love to hear anyone else's experience with this, especially positive ones that don't involve giving yourself shots forever...

[briannas auntie]

My B12 levels are always low, but its because I don't have the last part of my small intestine anymore (the ileum).  When you have a colectomy (especially if its for Chrons disease or ulcerative colitis), they most often have to take the ileum out as well to form the stoma for an ileostomy. I can't absorb B12 through food or oral supplements.  I can only take it through injection.  Its no big deal, its just one shot a month. The doctor's teach you how to do this at home, so you don't have to go to the doctor every month for a shot.

I have read that stress can cause low B12 levels, as well as damage to your ileum.  You might want to ask the doctor about that.  Plus, sometimes, certain digestive disorders can cause nutrient deficiency, like low B12 levels.  If oral supplements are not helping, most doctors eventuall resort to the injectable form of B12, which is injected into your thigh.  It doesn't hurt at all, if you are worried about that. 

Some people have had luck with sublingual B12 that is placed under your tounge, but it doesn't work all the time.

Hope this helps!

Jessie

[noahs.mom06]

Thanks for your response! My daughter has functional short-bowel syndrome, and I know a lot of other people through our experiences with her who have SBS, so I'm familiar with B12 deficiency in relation to that, but I guess I never thought it would affect me... I have actually assumed before that I don't have true celiac disease even, because I don't have GI symptoms, only autoimmune symptoms, but now I'm questioning whether maybe I do and have damaged my intestine by eating gluten for so long...

And then of course there's the fact that B12 deficiency is linked to birth defects, and I'm finding this out WHILE I'm pregnant, and I've already had a baby with a birth defect and just really want things to be normal this time... it's all just freaking me out a bit. I know need to see my doctor and have tests to rule out other causes of low B12, because (unless I really do have true celiac and damaged intestinal lining) there's no reason I shouldn't be absorbing plenty of B12 from my diet...

[3TsMom]

My son has a B12 deficiency.  I would recommend a transdermal application over shots.  I will pm you what he takes (I'm new here and not sure if it is ok to post a link to the product or not).