HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Elevated Vitamin B12 Levels?

I just read my blood work results and my B12 is high (700). My B12 is usually very low and for the last year I have been taking a b12 vit daily. I am 57 female and in good health. Over the last year I have gone from 180 lbs to 140 lbs done through better eating (weight watchers) and daily 1 hour exercise. Any ideas why this b12 would spike?
Mon, 9 Jan 2017
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,

The most obvious cause of an elevated vitamin B12 level is taking too much of the vitamin in the form of supplements. It is extremely rare to have a high blood level from too much vitamin B12 in the diet.

While vitamin B12 is generally not considered toxic in high levels, it's important to determine if the elevation is due to excess vitamin supplements since other causes of a high vitamin B12 level are usually serious.Some other causes may be:

- liver disease
- kidney failure
- group of blood conditions known as myeloproliferative disorders, which includes myelocytic leukemia and a condition that causes an overgrowth of red blood cells called polycythemia vera
- Hypereosinophilic syndrome, a medical condition marked by too many white blood cells, also can cause high vitamin B12

I recommend you to stop the supplements,take care of your diet and see a hematologist for more information.

Hope I was helpful. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Dorina Gurabardhi
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 
Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Elevated Vitamin B12 Levels?

Hi, The most obvious cause of an elevated vitamin B12 level is taking too much of the vitamin in the form of supplements. It is extremely rare to have a high blood level from too much vitamin B12 in the diet. While vitamin B12 is generally not considered toxic in high levels, it s important to determine if the elevation is due to excess vitamin supplements since other causes of a high vitamin B12 level are usually serious.Some other causes may be: - liver disease - kidney failure - group of blood conditions known as myeloproliferative disorders, which includes myelocytic leukemia and a condition that causes an overgrowth of red blood cells called polycythemia vera - Hypereosinophilic syndrome, a medical condition marked by too many white blood cells, also can cause high vitamin B12 I recommend you to stop the supplements,take care of your diet and see a hematologist for more information. Hope I was helpful. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Dorina Gurabardhi