Low B12 and Neuropathy Flare Up

Posted by dbchip @dbchip, Oct 16 6:52am

Recently I had my six month visit with my Neurologist. I am currently experiencing a pretty bad flare up of my Idiopathic Neuropathy. She reran my blood work and I noticed that my B12 level was 258. It is in the normal range, but I thought I read that levels like that could be a factor in an increase in neuropathy symptoms. My doctor didn’t seem too concerned about it and said I could take a supplement if I like. After doing some more research I have found that lower end B12 levels can contribute to flare ups. Going to start taking some supplements to see if it helps. Anyone have a similar experience and thoughts they can share about B12?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuropathy Support Group.

Just remember, heart issues require close monitoring when taking supplements like this. I was taken off those supplements by my cardiologist.

REPLY

Yes chip. Last year I developed awesome pain attacks around rt jaw hinge.
Cabamazepine was prescribed. Like you, I learned that B12 besides making blood cells, also makes the insulation around our nerves, MYELIN. Because I played a lot of sax as an 81 yr old, an artery on outside of my brain was rubbing against the nerve crossing it.
We need about 4 micrograms B12 daily. Few seniors get that much. Mainly because alcohol effects small bowels lining. B12 molecules can't get thru to the blood stream. Enjoyed only ONE glass of red wine daily. That was enough to reduce B12 daily production. So the trigeminal nerve was wearing down in one sp
spot faster than new myelin cells were made to replace lost ones. Try stopping alcohol. My doct. 2 months ago, has written on my file NON DRINKER. Am proud of that.
Good luck.

REPLY
Profile picture for loriesco @loriesco

@johnbishop OH MY GOD - I just found something and I don't know what it means yet. But I searched here and no one mentioned IRON! So I've been taking B12 for 4 years? Injections every two weeks or month PLUS supplementation (Vitamin Code Raw for women) PLUS I took nutrition in college and I EAT PROPERLY. Fresh fruits, veggies, blah, blah...
I've had radiculopathy for years and now neuropathy in my left leg from damaged spinal nerves compressed for too many years. But, the neuropathy kinda vanished when I went to eating a couple eggs PLUS glycinated iron pills, plus the B12 injection. I think I was low on iron! I don't know which is coming first - the B12 isn't doing its job or the blood cells are doing theirs. But in all the info here -- no one mentioned iron deficiency! I looked it up: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30881284/
Saw my doctor on Thursday, and she was amazed that no one had ever looked at my pain in relation to not processing proteins correctly, so we are going to do some new labs. I am very excited. I am 68 and have been suffering this year with undiagnosed neuropathy pains. The cortisone injections last for a week and then all the pains return. I am SO excited that I am on to something, I want to scream it from the rooftops! I didn't know who to tell! Will you pass it on to mentor Rachel? I saw some comments she made about Neuropathy. Didn't know how to call her out.

Jump to this post

Thank you @loriesco for thinking of me. You sound very hopeful! I'm wishing you the best with your new plan of action.

REPLY
Profile picture for Rachel, Volunteer Mentor @rwinney

Thank you @loriesco for thinking of me. You sound very hopeful! I'm wishing you the best with your new plan of action.

Jump to this post

@rwinney oh, I am so glad you saw it. Totally unexpected and accidental that this happened! I've always listened to my body. my body just started screaming for eggs in the morning. I was tired and fatigued. I never tied my B12 injections to feeling better with the neuropathy! Just the fatigue. The only thing for the neuropathy ever offered was cortisone injections, epidurals and did increase my exercise in the spring. But doing the B12 AND adding the iron was a total game changer! I've also recently started Metformin for insulin resistance. The insulin resistance makes my body not handle the digestion of the B12 and iron properly. So it may be why the neuropathy got worse. It was amazing how my pains vanished. I use a supplement Vitamin Code for Women Raw (over 50) if you cant get to the injections and the bisglycinate Iron (not constipating and digests easy) together with the eggs, they knocked it out of the park!

REPLY

258 is ridiculously low! My normal is about 800. I am LOW under 400. I am high at 1200 with supplements.
"Important considerations for older men Age-related absorption issues: Absorption of B12 can decrease with age due to reduced stomach acid, so older men may need supplements to maintain adequate levels. Deficiency risk: Up to \(43\%\) of older adults may not get enough B12 from diet alone. Potential symptoms: B12 deficiency can lead to fatigue, pale or yellow skin, headaches, and neurological problems like memory loss, and it is crucial to maintain levels above \(300\) pg/mL to help prevent these issues. Consult a doctor: Always consult a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and to determine the best course of action for your specific health needs. "
I need to mix my B12 with iron. And eat really, really well!

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.