Vitamins Eg B12

[smile]

Hi again,

Im after some advice mainly. Ive been gluten free for well over a month now and lactose free for over a week. The feeling sick has eased. Still not been able to gain weight, have tried putting weight on with muscle eg doing weights etc, still not change.

Now to the point lately I have noticed the tip of my tongue stings/sore etc and my mum has said it looks red (I dont know what is should look like). This isnt the first time, this was the same maybe 3 months or so ago. My mum believes I have a deficieny eg vitamin b12. I have had my blood checked recently and have been told I dont have anemia nor do I have low iron/ferratin levels. The blood test taken was a full blood count. Would this have shown if I was b12 deficient.

Also this past week or so Ive been feeling very anxious eg panic attacks, where my breathing gets all out of sync, then I feel sick and have tight chest (which could be my asthma). I feel so tense in my chest etc.

Would a b12 deficiency cause this. I dont know whether to see my gp again considering they have already said my blood was normal.

[RiceGuy]

If you don't already have a copy of your test results, I'd suggest asking your doctor for them. Many times, they will say "normal" even if the level is on the low end. Also, there are certain things which make it difficult to get an accurate serum B12 measurement. There is no known level of overdose for B12, so it would not hurt to try a B12 supplement, to see how you feel. I'd recommend the methylcobalamin form, in a sublingual tablet/lozenge. A dosage of 1-5mg per day can be very helpful. A co-enzyme B-complex can also be helpful.

However, I'm not sure the stinging/sore tongue is indicative of B12 deficiency. Maybe, or maybe not, but in my experience, that is what happens when I'm dehydrated. It may also account for the redness. So I'd suggest drinking more water each day. Avoid diuretics including caffeine. It may also help to get a potassium supplement, as potassium is an important electrolyte. Coconut water is a very good source of potassium. Some say it is better than a sports drink for re-hydration. Removing dairy from the diet also reduces potassium intake, if you don't compensate with some other source(s).

[mushroom]

A full blood count does not check for nutrient deficiencies - these have to be individually ordered. You need to know your levels of Vits. D, B12, folate, A, E, K, also potassium, calcium, zinc, magnesium. A check of your thyroid levels would also be in order.

As an aside, I think it is a bit soon to be concerned about not gaining weight - that will happen as you heal and start absorbing your food better. It does not happen overnight

I have nothing to offer on why your tongue is doing what it is; peoples' symptoms are so individual and varied.