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Low Iron Level With High B12 Level

Golden Girl

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Golden Girl Rookie
Golden Girl
Posted

My iron level is low but I have a high B12 level. I don't have the actual numbers yet from the Dr. but I have started liquid iron Florivital with orange juice and I have been eating more foods with iron but I am still feeling drained, depressed and not sleeping well. I have been trying to stay away from sugar and grains using coconut flour and almond flour and no dairy. I do have to have coffee in the morning so I get moving. I am on a leave of absence from work because I have been so depressed and not able to concentrate (brain fog). I also have bloating and I am very irritable. I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease 3 years ago I had 3 mini strokes before the diagnosis. Could some of my issues be related to the mini strokes? Or what could I eat to make me have more energy and get my focus back? Any information would be helpful, I'm not sure my Dr. is very knowledgeable about Celiac. I have been thinking maybe it could be systematic Candida but my GI Dr. said no that it would have been seen when they did the upper GI. I desperately need help and want to feel better.

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AVR1962 Collaborator
AVR1962
Posted

I would definately ask to see your lab results. I question the high B12.....is it high as in normal range high or hyper? That could make you sick there if your B12 is out of normal range but the question would then be, why is it that high?

crimsonviolet Apprentice
crimsonviolet
Posted

I'd look into fructose malabsorption or SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.) A hallmark seems to be low iron and high b12, and the bloating and fatigue fit with the typical symptoms.

Bubba's Mom Enthusiast
Bubba's Mom
Posted

I have low iron and high B12 as well. I thought it odd, because so many of us are low on B12?

Let us know if they find the cause of your symptoms?

ravenwoodglass Mentor
ravenwoodglass
Posted

May not be the case but are you taking a vitamin with folate? From what I have read (sorry don't have time to find the link) that can cause falsely high B12 readings.

frieze Community Regular
frieze
Posted

the direct testing for B12 is questionable. Get tested for methylmalonic acid and homocysteine. Check out Same'

Golden Girl Rookie
Golden Girl
Posted
  • Author

My iron level is low but I have a high B12 level. I don't have the actual numbers yet from the Dr. but I have started liquid iron Florivital with orange juice and I have been eating more foods with iron but I am still feeling drained, depressed and not sleeping well. I have been trying to stay away from sugar and grains using coconut flour and almond flour and no dairy. I do have to have coffee in the morning so I get moving. I am on a leave of absence from work because I have been so depressed and not able to concentrate (brain fog). I also have bloating and I am very irritable. I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease 3 years ago I had 3 mini strokes before the diagnosis. Could some of my issues be related to the mini strokes? Or what could I eat to make me have more energy and get my focus back? Any information would be helpful, I'm not sure my Dr. is very knowledgeable about Celiac. I have been thinking maybe it could be systematic Candida but my GI Dr. said no that it would have been seen when they did the upper GI. I desperately need help and want to feel better.

I called my Dr. to get my lab results:

iron 47

B12 1263

T4 Normal

TSH .27

I am not sure what the actual numbers should be.

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Ginger7 Rookie
Ginger7
Posted

Also note that b12 is absorbed in the latter part of intestine, the terminal ileum so one possible idea to throw out there is that celiac has caused damage in the duodenum or first part of intestine causing the low iron. The latter part of the intestine, terminal ileum may not be damaged and hence b12 is not low. What is the range of b12 given? Seems like that number might be right on the upper border or just over.

Also have you have ferritin tested which indicates stores of iron? Plus I agree with other post around b12 tests. Have you had endoscopy/colonoscopy done?

Golden Girl Rookie
Golden Girl
Posted
  • Author

Also note that b12 is absorbed in the latter part of intestine, the terminal ileum so one possible idea to throw out there is that celiac has caused damage in the duodenum or first part of intestine causing the low iron. The latter part of the intestine, terminal ileum may not be damaged and hence b12 is not low. What is the range of b12 given? Seems like that number might be right on the upper border or just over.

Also have you have ferritin tested which indicates stores of iron? Plus I agree with other post around b12 tests. Have you had endoscopy/colonoscopy done?

I have had 2 endoscopies and 1 colonoscopy within the last 3 years. I forgot to mention I did go off of Prilosec I have been taking this over 2 years. I did read on a website about low stomach acid which can cause you to not absorb iron, I am going to mention this to my Dr. but I did start taking 3 times a day Betaine HCI. Today is my 2nd day.

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    • trents
      Small Bowel Resection 12 inches

      By trents · Posted

      You might consider asking for a referral to a RD (Registered Dietician) to help with food choices and planning a diet. Even apart from any gluten issues, you will likely find there are some foods you need to avoid because of the shorter bowel but you may also find that your system may make adjustments over time and that symptoms may improve.
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      Small Bowel Resection 12 inches

      By Ello · Posted

      I wish Dr’s would have these discussions with their patients. So frustrating but will continue to do research. Absolutely love this website. I will post any updates on my testing and results.  Thank you
    • trents
      Small Bowel Resection 12 inches

      By trents · Posted

      Losing 12" of your small bowel is going to present challenges for you in nutritional uptake because you are losing a significant amount of nutritional absorption surface area. You will need to focus on consuming foods that are nutritionally dense and also probably look at some good supplements. If indeed you are having issues with gluten you will need to educate yourself as to how gluten is hidden in the food supply. There's more to it than just avoiding the major sources of gluten like bread and pasta. It is hidden in so many things you would never expect to find it in like canned tomato soup and soy sauce just to name a few. It can be in pills and medications.  Also, your "yellow diarrhea, constipation and bloating" though these are classic signs of a gluten disorder, could also be related to the post surgical shorter length of your small bowel causing incomplete processing/digestion of food.
    • Ello
      Small Bowel Resection 12 inches

      By Ello · Posted

      Yes this information helps. I will continue to be pro active with this issues I am having. More testing to be done. Thank you so much for your response. 
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      Small Bowel Resection 12 inches

      By trents · Posted

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