So I got tested a while ago, and the result was 57 pg/ml (minimum 180), so yeah, pretty deficient.
Got 4 shots (5000 whatever unit) over the course of a month. Tested again: 256 pg/ml.
If I go back to the doctor he'll say that now I'm good to go (as I'm above the minimum range). But I don't feel like this is enough.
Should I take 4 more shots? Do you guys know how much it'll add to my b12 levels?
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Hmm thank you! Are there symptoms that I could notice if there was any damage or only stuff that you need specific tests?
Certainly not a good idea to wait for symptoms, which can be drastic and permanent. Running low on b12 isn't something exclusive to vegans, but it is a common occurrence without supplementation. Two ways to go about it that I know, once you've tested to prove the need.
1. Supp periodically
2. Supp in a big dose over a 2-4 week period perhaps once or twice yearly.
I know you're not in the US last I checked, but the best source here appears to be the methyl at www.trimnutrition.com.
They might be able to point you to a source in your country.
Also see this book:
http://www.amazon.com/Could-It-Be-B12-Misdiagnoses/dp/1884995691
I've heard that the Japanese, with a minimum level of about 500, are more stringent than America, around 350, I believe. Makes sense to be on the safe side.
Cyano shots are super easy to find here. Methyl is impossible I believe (not sure about importing).
Took cyano shots and it did raise my levels, so guess I'll stick with it. At least till I get out of these low numbers.
Just wanted to know if I was already feeling any of the symptoms. Gonna get 4 shots over this month and get tested again, then just maintain.
When I first got tested for B12, was borderline deficient a couple of years ago. It was advised to take a shot once a week for a month, and then once a month for life (I know.. "dun dun dun" (; Try getting one regularly once a month with the same dose to keep up those levels. B12 levels that fall down this low have a high risk of permanent neural damage.
Didn't know about the permanent neural damage thing. I was quite shocked at the results, because last time I got tested it was around 200 (198 if I remember).
I hear people talking about pumping it up to around 500 and then just maintenance shots, what's your opinion on that?
i always hear here one shot a day for a week followed by one shot per week for a month followed by one shot per month for life..
I'm not on supplements yet i think i'm going to make an appointment with the doctor for a blood test this week, not supplementing before that.
200 is already quite low. You can find numerous studies and resources demonstrating the idea of permanent cognitive and neural damage coming from severe Vit. B12 deficiency. A level of 57 is almost as severe as you can get. I would simply follow the basic protocol of one shot a week for a month, and then once a month for the remainder of time that we don't eat fruit from cobalamin poor soils and numerous small insects (aka for life). Your B12 levels should rise well beyond 200 and up in the 500s giving a couple of months time.
I would personally also check with your doctor/neurologist if there wasn't too much damage caused by the deficiency if the time and resources are available, just to be safe.