Iron and B-12

[tin_foil_hat]

So I got my blood test results back today, I've read through the tags (there weren't as many as I would have expected :S) but I still need some advice

Comments

[vgnwtch]

Have you been tested for pernicious anaemia? This leads to low levels of B12. Testing for that would either eliminate it, or ensure that you get proper treatment.

[tin_foil_hat]

No. Unless one of these mystery things on my print out is a test for it... I'll ask about it when I go back.

[dagda_ollathir]

ditto on this... my dad has that, and he eats loads of meat, etc. it's the most likely reason for low b12

[liadlaith]

I take the Nature's Own iron pills, which have 50mcg of B12 in them as well. I think they're vegan - they say "no added yeast, blah blah blah, animal products".

[bizwac]

I used to like Nature's Own, but their recent YOU NEED FISH OIL, BWWWAAAAHH FISH!!!! has turned me off.
Stupid Sigrid Thornton.

[liadlaith]

I'm glad I don't watch TV.

[bizwac]

but then how will you know to take fish/krill oil and that you should eat red meat 4-5 times a week cos we were meant to eat it?
WHERE WILL YOU GET YOUR UNBIASED INFORMATION FROM!?

[kejlina]

Was your thyroid tested? Thyroid problems could screw up your ferritin levels.

[tin_foil_hat]

Eek, no. I don't have many symptoms though, but I guess I could get a test.

[dagda_ollathir]

there's 2 diff iron levels- iron stores and blood level of iron. stores are what you should be concerned about. blood level iron is what's circulating around- usually omnivores have a higher level of this than vegans (which isn't good- hi blood level iron scores have been linked with some conditions). iron stores are a better measure, and what you should be concerned about. it sounds like you might be getting decent iron now, but need to up it a little to boost your stores. you should also see if you have any condition that makes it harder for your body to absorb iron-- pernicious anemia and iron-deficient anemia run in my family, & i got the iron deficient one. i'm "score" a lot better after going vegan and supplementing a little here and there. ask your doc what they recommend- esp. with iron, you don't want to mess around and self-diagnose or self treat because of the potential for serious consequences.

[tin_foil_hat]

Eek, that doesn't sound friendly at all. So I've got the crappy kind of good iron since my iron studies are all good except the stores? Damn. Now I'll probably have to take suplements until I get up to normal levels *grumbles* ...or you know, eat well. But I'm moving soon, so that mightn't happen.

[orphe_]

the shots are good, yes. they will get you back to normal fast and from what i hear, you'll feel a dramatic impact almost right away.