Home > Ailments > Anemia > Anemia Q&A > Questions About Vitamin B12 for Anemia in 89 Year Old Father
Questions About Vitamin B12 for Anemia in 89 Year Old FatherPosted By Annie (Louisville, Ky) on 04/08/2016
One thing still in question is his anemia. Due to his poor absorption issues, I have him on a once daily 1 mg sublingual B12 and a slow-release iron taken with a time-released vitamin C.
He was diagnosed with macrocytic (large cell) anemia with a recent hemoglobin of 10 (one point too high for Procrit) and hematocrit of 31.4, but I found no one had ever bothered to check his B12 levels until recently....and even that was like asking for the moon.
Probably due to the B12 supplement his level was 2,000 and his folate was within a good range. Strange.
My guess is that although the B12 is showing up in full force in his blood, it's still not making it to the cells. He is very weak and tired all the time and just wants more energy.
I've discussed this with his gastroenterologist, but while they don't have issue with him taking these supplements, they say his B12 level is "more than fine" and won't do any further testing. Really???
I feel that B12 injections would help him, but no one will do them 'without cause'.
I'm looking for facts to build my case, but will settle for enough good common sense to know that I'm not barking up the wrong tree.
Anybody? Thanks, Annie
Replied by Waltz (India) on 04/09/2016
Replied by Pam (Southern California) on 09/23/2021
You have suggested:"Two tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar with baking soda twice a day."
However, you've *not* suggested an amount for the baking soda.
Would you be so kind as to reply here & tell us? Thank You!
Replied by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe ) on 04/09/2016
Annie, read up on Blackstrap Molasses for anemia.Replied by Cindy (Illinois, Usa) on 04/09/2016
I'm afraid I can't give you any ammo for your argument but I came across some quite interesting properties of miso when I was looking for probiotic sources for a sinus flush and I don't recall where I read it but know I saw a particularly comprehensive description of it or possibly a particular blending of things for a sort of "miso soup" that included mention of anemia, B-12 and nutrient deficiency and assimilation. Might be worth looking into.Replied by Tarbaby (Knightdale, NC) on 12/11/2020
My bloodwork said my b12 level is 3967, but I have all the symptoms of anemia, so how can that be? I read that high b12 could be a symptom of pernicious anemia, so I’m confused.Replied by Davinder (Uk ) on 12/16/2020
A heavy metal and parasite detox may be worth a try, as well as lowering acidity in the body by using bicarbonate of soda (as someone has mentioned above).Also, if you can find someone who can run bioresonance tests to see what the exact cause may be, I've been amazed at how accurate they are. Hope this helps. Best wishes.
Replied by Marge (California) on 12/16/2020
I also have B12 in the blood over 3000 but indications of B12 anemia in the cell because of genetic homozygous MTHFR 1298 gene. I was told to take lithium to get the B12 from the blood into the cell.Replied by Maureen (Maryland) on 12/17/2020
I have a B12 deficiency which I suspect is genetic. My grandmother, sister, daughter, and cousin's daughter all have B-12 deficiency. B12 deficiency is very common among older people. Your body needs an acidic environment to process B12 and stomach acid decreases as you age. Because the B12 molecule is very large, it also needs a cofactor in order for your body to be able to use the B12 you consume, this is Intrinsic Factor. If you have an h-pylori infection or some other type of digestive issue such as Chrohn's disease your body may not be producing intrinsic factor. Therefore, a high B12 blood count really doesn't mean anything because it may not be reaching your cells. Ask your father's doctor to give him loading doses of B12 (one shot a week for six weeks). This can do no harm and if you father starts to feel better it will convince his doctor that shots are what he needs. If his doctor refuses this request, find another doctor. You can sometimes get B-12 shots from urgent care centers (Patient First, etc.) without a prescription. This is expensive $40.00 a shot but a couple of shots might show if this is what your father needs. There is no reason for his doctor to refuse shots. The cost to the doctor is minimal and extra B12 is removed from the body in your urine and causes no harm.Replied by Lala (Texas) on 12/18/2020
Myself and members of my family have this same problem with B12 because of lack of intrinsic factor. I donât believe that 1mg of B12 is going to do anything for him. We have been taking 1000-5000mg of methylcobalamin sublingually for years and it gives us much higher levels of energy. If you can get the shots, itâll make a much bigger impact on how he feels. You can always legally order online from Canada, Mexico or Europe for b12 injections. Make sure theyâre Methylcobalamin as that is easily absorbed. B12 shots donât sting and feel like you got a Charlie horse like B complex shots do so you can easily give your dad a shot in the rear end. And like one of the replies above, I would give it to him once a week until he feels very energetic. If he starts to feel jittery, nervous or anxious than heâs had enough injections. You canât overdose with B vitamins. Your body just releases whatever you donât need in the urine. Hope he feels better!Replied by Lala (Texas) on 12/18/2020
It means that your body is absorbing or utilizing the B12 you do have so even though your levels are high, it usually means that you are in strong need of B12 and folate(not folic acid) If you have cracks in the center of your tongue or your mouth tastes like metal or you get sores on the sides of your tongue, you most likely need B12, Folate and B complex for that matter. Although you can be deficient without having these symptoms.I have the same problem for many years now and I take 5000mg sublingual methylcobalamin B12 and it gives me much needed energy. It should be methylcobalamin as it is very easily absorbed. Sublingual will bypass the stomach which is most likely the problem area. Hope this helps.
