Why are B12 Supplements not Helping me?

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I am a vegan and have been on a monthly B12 injection since January. I also take 8 doses of transdermal B12 daily and another 4 of sublingual drops daily, but my tongue has been swollen for over 12 months, it is burning and I often get palpitations. I feel incredibly tired and weak also.  I can't understand why all of this B12 is not helping me.

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3 Replies

  • Posted

    hi Rose.  i'm sry to hear of ur b12 dilemma. it must be v. distressing to  have b12 deficiency symptoms such as palpitations. unfortunately, there are many reasons why ur not responding to b12 supplementation.  this may range from low levels of Folate, to methylation problems, to  MTHFR  (C677T) gene mutation (relatively common),problems, to having the wrong type of b12 (there are 4 types) for u, to absense of many other co-factors necessary to convert the b12 ur taking to an active form that can enter the cells and be productively utilized there. there are numerous other reasons too, including absorbtion problems, or the injestion of prescription drugs including the contraceptive pill that maybe interfering with absorbtion & utilization of the b12 ur taking.  i suggest that u get in contact with the Pernicous Anaemia Society (PAS).  google them.  the have an excellent & accessible website.  they also have a tel. so that u can address  ur queries.   another ''EXCELLENT'' source of information is the 'HealthUnlocked' web site in the PAS section.  there are some supberbly informed ppl on there who will be able to answer ur question more fully.

    all good luck

    C

  • Posted

    I'm sorry to hear that your B12 is not working for you, both my mother and I are on the injections 3 monthly now,and we certainly feel so fatigued by the time we are due for our injections. We were astounded that our surgeries have reduced from monthly to quartly injections because they feel it is enough, my mother was beside herself as mentally she still feels she isn't as well since they have done this ,and no test results are convincing her. I have never heard of anyone whose tongue has swollen , I don't know but it sounds like an reaction,have you consultated your GP. Hope you feel better soon, and find a solution 
  • Posted

    Thanks for your replies.  Skippy.  A swollem tongue is a typical sympotm of B12 deficiency although not all have it.

    http://www.b12deficiency.info/signs-and-symptoms/

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