Results of Vitamin/Mineral Blood Test = High Carotene & B6?

[Always-Hungry-Kate]

Since I did not see very many discussions on this exact topic, I thought I should add it.  Maybe there are other celiac patients out there who are just as confused about this particular topic as I am. 

As of late last week, soon after I finished a very comprehensive vitamin/mineral blood test, the results started coming in within 24 hours.  As I expected, the vitamin D level came up quite low (which was really no surprise; this definitely played apart in my recent osteoporosis diagnosis).  I am now on a prescription-strength, vitamin D supplement as of last week.
 

As more results were automatically emailed to me from the lab, what I found bizarre — since I do not take any other vitamin supplements right now, other than the D — was the fact that both my carotene and B6 levels were quite high.  The fact that celiac causes malabsorption issues, I found it odd that these other substances wound up high in my blood. 
 

At the moment, I cannot find any other information about this.  Although my carotene level is very high, my skin is not orange or anything like that — not yet, anyway.  The doctor has not reviewed that result yet (it just came in today), but I’m sure she will be in touch with me if there’s something I have to do. 
 

If anyone else has anything to add to this topic, please do so.  I am trying to learn as much as I can about this condition and I am losing hope that my body will be back in any kind of normal balance again.  Most of this has not been making much sense to me.  Any other information that anyone has about this would be greatly appreciated.  (Yes, I’ve been talking to the doctors about all of this, but they say that it is different for everyone; I just have to manage this as best I can.) 

 

[Scott Adams]

It could be related to:

• Dietary Intake: High dietary intake of foods rich in vitamin B6 or carotene can lead to elevated levels. This could include a diet with significant amounts of certain vegetables, fruits, or vitamin B6-rich foods.
• Metabolic Factors: Individual variations in metabolic processes can influence how the body absorbs and utilizes nutrients. Some people may metabolize and process certain vitamins differently.
• Health Conditions: Certain health conditions or medications could impact nutrient levels. It's essential to consider the individual's overall health history.

You may want to discuss these findings with your doctor to determine the specific reasons for elevated vitamin B6 and carotene levels. Further evaluation, including a detailed dietary assessment and a review of supplements or medications, can help identify the contributing factors. 

[knitty kitty]

 

@Always-Hungry-Kate,

I referred to one of your previous posts in which you said you had been consuming drinks like Ensure and Boost.  These drinks certainly do contain added vitamins and minerals which could have contributed to your high levels of B 6 and carotene.  

Blood tests for vitamin levels are not accurate measurements of the amount of vitamins inside cells where they are utilized.  You can have "normal" blood levels, but still have a functional vitamin deficiency because there isn't a sufficient amount inside cells.  

Blood tests for vitamin levels reflect how much you've consumed and absorbed of a vitamin in the previous twenty-four to forty-eight hours.  

Vitamin and mineral supplements, and nutritional replacement drinks, power bars, protein bars, energy drinks, etc. with added vitamins should be discontinued eight to twelve weeks before undergoing testing for deficiencies.