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Hello, I M A 67 Yr Old Male Who Had
Question: Hello,
I'm a 67 yr old male who had a b12 deficiency years ago. I took 1000 mcg for years and my latest blood levels were 1135 in 7/17 and 920 on 4/18. As a result I recently lowered my dose to 500mcg. I take 20 mg esomeprazole which I believe caused my earlier low ratings. l read a study @ Ohio State U by T Brasky linking 55mcg/day to a fourfold increase in lung cancer among male smokers and 3fold among nonsmokers.Dr Brasky indicated he thought b12 fed unseeable LC and his study would give him pause about 500mcg and suggested I take minimum recommended by my doctor who I'll see I/9/19.. I quit smoking 30 years ago. I recently had a low dose ct scan which showed 8 new 2-4 mm nodules compared to 9 months prior ct. Since b12 is stored in the liver(?) would it be ok to take a much lower dose or none at all until my apt in 7 weeks. Or should I try a minimum dose?
I'm a 67 yr old male who had a b12 deficiency years ago. I took 1000 mcg for years and my latest blood levels were 1135 in 7/17 and 920 on 4/18. As a result I recently lowered my dose to 500mcg. I take 20 mg esomeprazole which I believe caused my earlier low ratings. l read a study @ Ohio State U by T Brasky linking 55mcg/day to a fourfold increase in lung cancer among male smokers and 3fold among nonsmokers.Dr Brasky indicated he thought b12 fed unseeable LC and his study would give him pause about 500mcg and suggested I take minimum recommended by my doctor who I'll see I/9/19.. I quit smoking 30 years ago. I recently had a low dose ct scan which showed 8 new 2-4 mm nodules compared to 9 months prior ct. Since b12 is stored in the liver(?) would it be ok to take a much lower dose or none at all until my apt in 7 weeks. Or should I try a minimum dose?
Brief Answer:
Yes you can stop it
Detailed Answer:
Hi and Welcome to Ask A Doctor service.
I have read your question and here is my advice.
Your concern is quite right. And yes, the study you mentioned has shown an increased risk of lung cancers with high doses of Vit B12, B6 and folate. Though there have been questions about the reliability of the study, still it is advised to avoid taking excessive doses of supplements not only B complex.
So yes, it's not recommended to take supplements in excess without need.
Regarding your problem, as you have taken Vit B12 for a quite a good time and you have already achieved a quite high serum level, you can stop taking it (not for that it might have some links to lung cancer but because you don't need it).
Regarding Vit B12, please note that we need very little vitamin B12, a normal person who takes some meat and eggs generally don't need to take any extra Vit-B12.
I understand that you took it for a confirmed deficiency, but you had achieved the normal level as shown in the results. And yes it is stored in the liver for years. It takes at least 2 years for the deficiency to occur after we stop taking it. So you can stop it all together until you see your doctor and then plan ahead.
Good luck.
Hope I have answered your question.
I will be glad to answer any further question about this.
Kind Regards
Dr Rahman
Yes you can stop it
Detailed Answer:
Hi and Welcome to Ask A Doctor service.
I have read your question and here is my advice.
Your concern is quite right. And yes, the study you mentioned has shown an increased risk of lung cancers with high doses of Vit B12, B6 and folate. Though there have been questions about the reliability of the study, still it is advised to avoid taking excessive doses of supplements not only B complex.
So yes, it's not recommended to take supplements in excess without need.
Regarding your problem, as you have taken Vit B12 for a quite a good time and you have already achieved a quite high serum level, you can stop taking it (not for that it might have some links to lung cancer but because you don't need it).
Regarding Vit B12, please note that we need very little vitamin B12, a normal person who takes some meat and eggs generally don't need to take any extra Vit-B12.
I understand that you took it for a confirmed deficiency, but you had achieved the normal level as shown in the results. And yes it is stored in the liver for years. It takes at least 2 years for the deficiency to occur after we stop taking it. So you can stop it all together until you see your doctor and then plan ahead.
Good luck.
Hope I have answered your question.
I will be glad to answer any further question about this.
Kind Regards
Dr Rahman
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Thanks so much!
Brief Answer:
My pleasure
Detailed Answer:
I am pleased .Thank you .
My pleasure
Detailed Answer:
I am pleased .Thank you .
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
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