B-12?

[ammommy]

I got the test results back (huge weight gain, fatigue, etc) and nothing screams out "this is the cause", but the NP did say that my B-12 is low and my thyroid was just a bit off (it was.02, should be .04 or the opposite ). Anyway, she wants me to take a B12 supplement and we'll retest in 5 weeks. Here is the thing, my multivitamin already supplies 1300% of the RDA of B12! I talked to her about it, and she said that she talked to the doc and they still want me to take another 40 mcg's per day since I can't OD on it.
Does anyone know anything about low B12 in the body? Does this sound right? It just doesn't sit well with me and I don't know why.
She also said that they would retest my thyroid again and if the number was the same, they would "look into some other things." She wouldn't go into details. I'm really thinking about getting another opinion, especially since I've put on another 1.5 pounds in 2 weeks.

[punkeemunkee'smom]

I know how frustrating that can be and yes I have been there for almost 9 years with no answers until last year when I found an AMAZING endocronoligist. My thyroid was always just a little off ( but if your levels are low than you should be skinny is all I ever heard) My problem turned out to be in part Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) It causes major fatigue,excessive weight gain,irregular periods and a host of other problems. It causes insulin resistance(FAST,FAST WEIGHT GAIN) I am now on Metformin and I have lost 50 pounds and feel ALOT better! As for the b-12 I am on a b complex because it helps your body absorb iron and is a thyriod funtion support.Unfortunatley our bodies do not break down "mutiviatimins" very well so that may be why they want you to add some more but if you aren't comphy with it then don't...If there is one thing I learned thru the 15+ doctors I saw it was I am the ONLY one who really knows my body! I hope you get some answers if not from this doctor KEEP LOOKING! I will be sending lots of prayers your way.I hope they get this figured out for you! Hang in there.I used to feel like I was losing my mind Keep us posted...

P.s. For the fatigue your local health food store should sell a liquid iron that you put in orange juice but don't do multiviatimins and that you can od on iron... I felt like a new person in days after I got off the Centrum and on to some natural sources of viatimins!

[A&A'smommy]

OMG I would definitly get a second opinion!!

ETA: look at the top there are some interesting links that might have some info for you!

This post has been edited by alyssa'smommy on Jul 11 2005, 06:18 PM

[Hillbilly Housewife]

I can see why they'd tell you to take more b12 - but the problem is, b12 is more effective when used in conjunction with b6.

It helps keep your keytones (sp?) level down, which helps you burn fat quicker.

My mother went on the Dr. Bernstein diet - dropped a LOT of weight in little time - the thing is - she'd get b6 and b12 injections 3 times a week in her belly and thighs. Something about the 2 vitamins in epic proportions makes you melt the fat off - and the doctor was right - you can't relaly od on it. It's like Vitamin C - you can get sick if you eat like a pound of it - but you won't die from it.

You should prpbably check into a heatl food store and get herbal supplements, or at least something that is more geared to yuour needs - if you take too many multivitamins - you probably are storing a lot more than yhou need - and it could be the indirect cause of some of your problems...

but it's what YOU feel comfortable with.

sorry bou tthe spelling - i'm really tired... lol

[ammommy]

Thanks for the information, everyone. I am still a bit confused about the dosage of B12, since it appears that my body is not absorbing it, but I got a supplement and will be a good girl and take it. She did mention that if that still doesn't work, that I will need to go in for shots until my levels get to where they need to be.
Doc and NP are confused about the thyroid levels since I should be having the opposite symptons, but it's not the first time my body has been one huge contradiction!
The vitamin that I am taking is a Rx with iron added, so I really can't add more iron. Thanks for the suggestion, though.
In the mean time, I'll try to work out 5+ times a week and eat a mainly vegetarian/no white carb diet. It's the only thing that seems to get the weight off right now (although it doesn't really help with the energy). Wish me luck.

[lisar]

I was told you can not OD on b-12. I had to give Lexi b-12 when she was little cause it would make her hungry and she would eat. And I asked the dr about it and he said that if I give a lil to much not to worry about it. It is one of the vitamins that you can get to much of and it wont hurt you. But I would always ask another Dr it wont hurt.


Lisa