Vitamin B levels

[Gary]

Now the last time I started a thread about vitamin D I touched off tong warfare...... I had the vitamin D test and started taking 50,000 units and now its almost at normal range.

My question now is/has anyone tested their vitamin B levels. I never have but after reading a few articles I gotta wonder.

Thoughts, comments?

[MS Bites]

i am deficient... take injections for b12. i supplement folate also.

[Virginia]

Mine has not been tested. I wish they would. I think it is important.

[SalpalSally]

Medicare doesn't pay for Vitamin def. tests so me no know, if I'm deficient in B, D or any vits??:ambivalence:

[Cherie]

My neuro wants it checked at least annually as B12 deficiency can look a lot like MS relapse with changes in reflexes, vision, spasticity, tremors, neuropathies, etc. He says he feels safest having levels kept at or above 400. Mine was 182 in July and I had a huge number of "MS symptoms" worsening. After A week of B12 shots daily then weekly for three months, my levels were back up to 900 and the symptoms were essentially gone. BTW: the low side of normal is around 200.

[Virginia]

Sally, I am on Medicare and my D3 levels have been checked 3 times. Since I am in normal range they do not test anymore. I think maybe it is how the diagnosis is entered for Medicare. Since we have MS they might be able to check for those things that have an effect on MS. I am going to ask about the Vitamin B. Especially, in view of the fact that I have had the really bad muscle spasms.

My eye exams are covered because I had optic neuritis some years ago, however I have to pay for the refraction to be done. So that makes me think it is how it is coded by Doctor when they send it in. All PCPs might not know to do this, but your Neuro should.

Virginia

[stillstANNding]

B12 deficiency is almost always ruled out during the work up for MS. That's when I had mine done.
ANN

[SalpalSally]

You could be right Virginia. I will certainly check with my PCP on that. Thanks.

Ann, yes many mny years ago, when I was in the hosp, way too young for medicare, I had all the blood test too and my b12 was fine. But 36 yrs later, it may be different, ya know?:o

[Virginia]

Yes, it could be different because as we age our bodies are less likely to absorb some of the B vitamins, especially B12.

Virginia

[Jeanie Z]

:) If you take regular B12 tablets and swallow them your stomach acid destroys about 90%. Buy the Sub Lingual (under tongue) B12 and let them dissolve under your tongue. This gives you the full dosage as it is absorbed by the mouth mucosa.

I get the 2500 mcg ones and dissolve two each day. I definitely feel better when I take them daily. Jeanie :)

[Virginia]

The only problem I had when I tried to take the sublingual B12 was that I could not sleep at night, even when I took them in the morning. I might try again. After a few days of being on them I would start to not sleep well, but that has been a number of years ago.

Virginia

[snack]

I have had b12, D, K, E, A, magnesium, ferritin, zinc, gluten and more checked recently. SalpalSally and others with Medicare, Medicare paid for them all. The only time I have problems with Medicare is if the doctor orders the test without the correct codes, it has to be a "medical necessity" or whatever they call it so now I always make sure that is in and never sign a lab request with "Patient accepts to pay if denied by Medicare".

For b12 def. I use methylcobalamin sublingual, works great, took 3 months 1mg/day to trible my level back above the midrange. Vit D def. I take liquid vit. D3 4000iu and it took 6 months to get back up. I also used pills 5000 i.u. they also worked but somehow they gave me more muscle spasms which I do not get from the drops for whatever reason.

[SalpalSally]

Thanks Snack, I'm going to check in on that..





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[Gary]

My plan paid to check my Vitamin D levels. I did notice (reading upside down) on the lab orders that there is a vitamin panel. Had my dr note down to run that one. Because of past kidney problems I usually have labs every 2 or 3 months. I am a big believer in running labs at least the basic ones more frequently if you do have health problems. Some times the easiest test are the best to head off problems.

[SalpalSally]

Just got some Methylcobalimin byl. B12 - 1000mcg and some Omega 3... Can't hurt, huh?:)