Anyone else ever overdose on injectable B-12? I wasn't using cyanocobalamin or methylcobalamin, but hydroxycobalamin recommended by the pharmacist.
Had been using the hydroxy off and on for eons. But I got so sick last spring I thought I was being poisoned. Had water tested, bought new CO2 detector, even looked at hubby curiously too.
The sicker I got the more B-12 I did, but I never once used more than the recommended dose. I had stopped all medications including Armour thyroid that I'd taken for 8 years. Had no idea what was happening.
Eventually neurologist tested B-12 level. It was 7500!!! About a zillion times normal blood levels.
Needless to say I threw the B-12 away, but what would cause this to happen? It's practically impossible to OD on B-12 as the body is supposed to flush out what it doesn't need, right?
Ideas anyone?
Posted by Catgirl (Member # 31149) on :
You might want to do a 23&me test. It will show any gene mutations you have. I have several that affect B-12. The answers are different for everyone. The test is $99.00 and you can order it yourself at 23&me.com.
Posted by Razzle (Member # 30398) on :
It may not be the B12 itself but a preservative or contaminant in the B12...
I myself do not do well with hydroxycobolamin, I do better with methylcobolamin.
Possibly you ran out of methyl groups....?
Just thinkin' with my keyboard here...
Posted by Judie (Member # 38323) on :
My friend told me that B-12 is stored in the liver. It's not just flushed out.
When you're low, your body can call upon the reserves in the liver.
I don't know what would happen with too much.
I have a cobalt allergy and think B-12 is causing a rash sometimes.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- I would not assume that you "overdosed" on B-12.
I had the same kind of test and similar results many years ago and I had not even supplemented B-12, other than the typical amount in a multi-vitamin which may not get all that well absorbed.
The doctor who did my test was actually a liver specialist and did not seem to alarmed, say, it just stores B-12 for years, no problem, he implied. Now, I'm not quite so sure about that but it may not be as alarming as it first sounds.
In my case, a liver condition I have, porphyria, could be connected to that but, there are just so many other considerations.
I think it has to do with the kinds of liver dysfunction that go along with lyme. The liver metabolisms nutrients and if the liver is impaired, it just can't do its job.
I'd talk with a naturopathic doctor, one who is LL, about this. If the liver is storing so much, it may not be converting it as you need but you also may not be able to "access" it from your liver. A LL ND should be able to shine better light on this -- as there are surely many other things about this to consider, too.
Find a LL ND who can assess you for mutation issues (as Catgirl suggests) and also for liver issues and specific metabolic issues. Some of this may be covered by your insurance and a liver specialist may be able to help but there are some things they just won't consider. -
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Could be the MTHFR.
Posted by delljen (Member # 25090) on :
It sounds like you have MTHFR and your body can’t convert inactive forms of folate and B12 to the active forms.
You should definitely get tested. Look into MTHFR.net or 23andme there are links to these websites in the article on the second link below.
I could never pass a B12 supplement, even a pure compounded one - liver detox issues. I agree with the above suggestions for checking your methylation genes.
Posted by mjo (Member # 7876) on :
Thanks everyone! Had been thinking about the MTHFR gene and getting tested. Appreciate the nudge in that direction.
Thyroid issues getting checked out now.
Keebs, I, too, have porphyria, diagnosed about 92 or 93 at the Pfeiffer Clinic near Chicago, long before I knew I had Lyme+. (I think they're still around with a focus on helping kids with behavioral issues.)
Can you tell me how porphyria affects detox, abx, etc? A PM is okay if you don't feel like posting all that here.