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B12 Deficiency & Elevated Bilirubin

Posted , 5 users are following.

westech
westech

Hi, Have just been diagnosed with Gilberts Syndrome, but would let you all know that elevated bilirubin is also associated with B12 deficiency and can have same symptoms. If you are having blood test ask for a B12 level test which should range from around 400 to 1000 as normal. Also with the blood test your MCV level should be monitored as if this is also elevated another sign of B12 def. Check out website for Pernicious Aneamia Society for more info.

I have been experiencing the fatigue, dizzy spells, brain fog, confusion, bowel probs ect and again was told theres nothing to worry about!! right!! I am awaiting some further blood results to rule out for sure B12 def as although my B12 was not considered tooooo low at 358 apparently a further test can be done to see if at cell level B12 is being absorbed. Anyway thought the B12 thing was worth mentioning as linked to bilirubin levels......will update you when I find out results..

2 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    Hi, your update is very reassuring. Thanks. I have been recently diagnosed with it. Although my doctor did suspect it about 5 yrs back but faced no serious health problems. The problems I faced were tiredness, drowsiness specially after meals. I usually need a 30 mins nap after each meal. Other major problems are constipation and slightly higher than normal blood pressure. Accidentally, I took some liver medicines and my BP came down. On experiment basis, I discontinued the Liver medicines and checked the BP. Every time I stopped the medicine my BP was higher, and with Live medicine it came down. I have no clue and reason to say why? Even my doctor refuses to believe me but it actually happened. I hope you would continue to share your experience and the result of your test. All the best
  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    Well second round of blood tests are still pointing to a B12 deficiency but as the results only just fall outside of the lab normal range at the moment the docs have advised to keep taking B12 tablets and B complex which have helped loads with the dizzy and confused mind, and improved my fatigue. Will have more bloods tested in a few weeks to see if the tablets have assisted with the levels. Will be interesting to see if my billirubin has dropped? Its funny have everything starts falling into place once you look into these things...I also can feel tired/ill after eating sometimes and a fellow gilbert sufferer has told me its better to eat every 2/3hrs something small rather than large meal which your liver will have trouble processing at times.....anyway will keep you informed.
  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    Hi I'd be careful with the old Vit Bs especially supplements. Certain overdosing of Vit Bs can actually cause nerve damage. Also Vit B 3 Niacin I think? cannot be effectively processed by us Gilberts people. I would advise you to look this info up and not to advise others to dose up on supplements. Don't despair about Gilberts, Look up Biliruben as an antioxidant, it is one of the best there is, higher than normal levels of Bili protects us from heart disease, ischaemia and cancers. We may all exist at times like old fogeys but old fogeys is what we will be. Good Luck.
  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    Hi....Sorry I was not suggesting people start taking supplements but to look into with GP the possibility of B12 deficiency which can be linked with Gilberts. I have only started taking B supplements on advice of my BUPA specialist after many tests to see if symptoms ease which they have. I am only 40 run my own business and until now have had a very busy life and will explore all options in respect of feeling well again - I think too many of us just accept what the docs tell us, and resign ourselves to getting old!! not me!! I will keep you informed of progress.
  • janet10612
    janet10612 westech

    Posted

    Great to know about the Glbert's and B12 connection/mix-up. That could affect me. I'd never heard of Gilbert's till my naturopath said I had it at the age of 60! I think the B12 deficiency might make more sense, but I have thought my whole life that my skin tone was rather yellow. I'll be interested in seeing my Bilirubin results next blood test since she has me on B12 to get my levels between 600-800. Conventional level of 400 is way too low to do anybody any good. I really notice a difference in mood when I get enough B12.

  • Copper-enjoyer
    Copper-enjoyer westech

    Posted

    It is correlation, not the cause. Cause of low vitamin B12 is copper deficiency. Copper prolongs erythrocytes life. With short life span of these cells body need more b12 and b9 to make new erythrocytes than it can absorb from food. And that's it.

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