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What Does This B12 Count Of 107 Indicate?

Posted on Tue, 18 Nov 2014

Question: Need to know about B12 test results. I am vegetarian and got B12 count at 107 pg/ml (Normal range 180 - 914). I need advice about food, diet and how to improve it. What precautions shall I take to be safe.

Answered by Dr. Raju A.T (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Go for supplements

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for your query.

With a level of 107 I would recommend you to go for supplements of Vit B12 in the form of tablets or injections. Do ask your treating doctor for the same.

Also, you may have to increase the intake of foods like
Green leafy vegetable
Pulses especially sprouts
Cheese
Non vegetarian foods like Liver, egg, fish etc

You may also need to take foods rich in folic acid too, as it is needed for Vit B12 absorption.
Dark Leafy Greens.
Asparagus.
Broccoli.
Citrus Fruits.
Beans, Peas and Lentils.
Avocado.
Brussels Sprout.

There are no precautions as such but it is better for you to get complete blood count and peripheral smear tests every 6 months once. As Vit B12 deficiency causes megaloblastic anemia.

Hope, I answered your query.

Wish you good health.

regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Raju A.T (30 hours later)

Hi,

Thanks for clear and to the point answer.

In tests which was done 3 days back along with B12; D3 is also low ( 44.36* nmol/L).
Considering weather at XXXXXXX (raining since last week), can it affect D3? In Lipid Profile test, LDL came at 102 mg/dL (normal range <100) . Shall I take Cheese considering LDL level? I am going to attach reports for better decision.

Any specific test that I should do for better conclusion? We want to plan for second baby, can these level affect it or only my wife's test are the deciding factor?

Kindly share any specific suggestion considering above plan.

Answered by Dr. Raju A.T (15 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Need not worry

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for writing back.

No, rain and low light for a week does not affect. It takes years for the Vit D deficiency to develop.

Need not worry. Taking Cheese do not affect the LDL levels. The levels are fine.

No need for any tests. It does not affect your fertility by any way.

Yes, it is good to get your wife tested for.

Regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Raju A.T (9 hours later)

Hi,
Thanks for clarifying doubts.

I want to know about B12 / D3 deficiency a bit more.

As per previous comment, it can take years to develop D3 deficiency. In this case, do I need to take supplement for lifetime? Is there any change in lifestyle that can help me to stay healthy? Also, is this the same for B12 (time to develop deficiency)?

I prefer to adopt healthy routine so that I need to take minimum B12 & D3 supplement for minimal possible duration.

Answered by Dr. Raju A.T (31 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Life style changes

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for writing back.

I appreciate your view to improve your health status through healthy routine.
No, there is no need to take supplements for lifetime if we can get it through natural sources. The natural resource for Vit D3 is sunlight, so exposure to early morning sunlight will help.

And as you are vegetarian, there are very few dietary sources available for Vit. B12. I have listed them in my previous reply. Try to include them in your diet as frequent as possible.

Along with these follow these measures:
1. Consume plenty of water and fruit juices
2. Maintain a healthy life style. Early morning walk for exposure to sunlight will surely help.
3. Vitamin B12 supplements in form of tablets or injections would be required. Might be for longer period depending on your follow up reports which your treating doctor would decide.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar