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Understanding and Treating Low Vitamin B12 Levels: Guidance on Supplements and Injections

Explore insights on managing a vitamin B12 deficiency with a test result of 105 pg/mL. Discover treatment options such as oral and sublingual supplements, injections, and dietary adjustments. Consult with healthcare providers to select the best approach tailored to individual needs.


  • 105
    Help with labs
    Hey! I just had some blood work done and my B12 came back as 105pg/mL. After a bit of research it looks like under 300 is out of normal range but I was wondering just how bad my result is? With that I was wondering what the treatment looks like? Will I need injections or are there other options like a standard supplement?

    Thank you for your help!!

  • A vitamin B12 level of 105 pg/mL is considered to be quite low. Typically, B12 levels under 200 pg/mL are regarded as deficient, and levels between 200-300 pg/mL are borderline deficient1. Low levels of B12 can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, constipation, loss of appetite, and nerve problems like numbness and tingling in the hands and feet2.

    Treatment for vitamin B12 deficiency can vary depending on the severity of the deficiency and the underlying cause. Here are some common approaches:

    1. Oral Supplements: For many people with B12 deficiency, especially those with mild to moderate deficiencies, high-dose oral B12 supplements may be sufficient. These supplements often contain cyanocobalamin or methylcobalamin, two different forms of B123.

    2. Sublingual Supplements: Some people prefer sublingual forms of B12 (taken under the tongue) which may be more easily absorbed4.

    3. Injections: For severe deficiencies or if there are absorption issues (such as in pernicious anemia or after certain types of surgery), B12 injections might be recommended. These bypass the digestive system and provide a direct boost to B12 levels5.

    4. Dietary Adjustments: If dietary insufficiency is the cause, increasing the intake of B12-rich foods like meat, eggs, dairy products, and fortified cereals can help6.

    It's important to follow up with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment for your specific situation. They can recommend a suitable treatment plan and monitor your levels to ensure they return to normal.

    Footnotes

    1. "Vitamin B12 Deficiency - NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders)," NORD.

    2. "Vitamin B12 - Health Professional Fact Sheet," Office of Dietary Supplements, NIH.

    3. "The effectiveness and safety of oral vitamin B12," Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.

    4. "Vitamin B12: Essential Roles of B12 for Good Health," Healthline.

    5. "Cobalamin (Vitamin B12) Deficiency," UpToDate.

    6. "Boost your Vitamin B12 levels," Harvard Health Publishing.

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