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

Done Blood Work. Low Vitamin B12 Level. Always Tired. Negative Intrinsic Factor. Reason?

I just got complete blood work back and the only thing that came back is a 36.4 mchc level. I seem not to be able to maintain b12 and get once a month b12 shots and then when I stop them my level goes down. It currently around 300. I am always tired. Intrinsic factor came back negative. The doctor didn t seem concerned with the 36.4 level but no answers as to why my b12 level always drops any thoughts
Mon, 12 Nov 2012
Report Abuse
Neurologist,  's  Response
Hi,

Thank you for posting your query.

There are three common causes of low vitamin b12:

1. Vegetarian diet- as most of the good sources of vitamin B12 are non-vegetarian, so people taking pure vegetarian food may have low levels of vitamin B12.

2. Poor absorption of vitamin B12- due to antibodies against parietal cells or intrinsic fator (which is negative in your case).

3. Malabsoption syndromes- where there is poor absorption of all nutrients including protein, carbohydrate and fats.

Please consult a gastroenterologist for opinion.

Wishing you good health,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM
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
 

Recent questions on Vitamin b12


Loading Online Doctors....
Done Blood Work. Low Vitamin B12 Level. Always Tired. Negative Intrinsic Factor. Reason?

Hi, Thank you for posting your query. There are three common causes of low vitamin b12: 1. Vegetarian diet- as most of the good sources of vitamin B12 are non-vegetarian, so people taking pure vegetarian food may have low levels of vitamin B12. 2. Poor absorption of vitamin B12- due to antibodies against parietal cells or intrinsic fator (which is negative in your case). 3. Malabsoption syndromes- where there is poor absorption of all nutrients including protein, carbohydrate and fats. Please consult a gastroenterologist for opinion. Wishing you good health, Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM