Discussion Board

Hello All, I'm new to this discussion forum hope I'm posting properly!
I have a question regarding B12.
I'm a vegan since May of 2011. Vegetarian for a few years before becoming vegan.
Just had some blood work done and my B12 level is elevated...1563.
I was supplementing but have stopped.

Does anyone know of potential problems with elevated B12 levels?
I'm also assuming levels will decrease since I've stopped supplementing. I plan on having levels checked again in about 6 months.
Anyway, thanks in advance for information

I haven't heard of any, but it makes sense that anything in excess can be harmful in some way. It seems like stopping the supplements, and then probably supplementing appropriately once you're in the good range is the best plan.

I was really low on B12 at one point too. I got six shots, and then started taking 1000 ug every day. When I tested again, my level was 950, near the top of the normal range. So I cut back to taking the 1000 ug just a few times a week instead of every day. I'll see what things look like next summer when I test again.

I don't know if this will answer your questions entirely, but this is Dr. McD on B 12. It does tell of the amount of supplement he recommends and so forth. Pretty interesting

http://drmcdougall.com/misc/2007nl/nov/b12.htm

That's a pretty rare situation, since excess B vitamins are usually excreted in the urine. Here is an article about it and some reasons why it might be elevated.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency ... 003705.htm
Was your doctor concerned?

Thanks all for your replies. Sorry for my delayed response, I've been away from my computer.

Yep, after some additional research I'm a bit concerned about the high level B12. It can stem from liver problems. Little embarrassed to share I do have Hep C and when I was about 18 years old I was exposed to Hep B and became jaundiced.

So there is no telling how long I've had elevated B12 levels. This was the first time I ever had my B12 level checked. Guess I may need to check in with a gastroenterologist.

Good news is however, I really do feel great. I'll have to attribute that to a whole foods plant based diet.

To Your Health,
Lucy

Oh I forgot...no the doctor (Ob/Gyn) didn't seem concerned about it, curious.

Lucy