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B12, Folic Acid And Iron

Jonoh

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Jonoh Rookie
Jonoh
Posted

Hi again *waves*

Ok, so I've posted a few threads here and there about a few things, so I promise this'll be my last one lol. Well, I recently got the news that I'm b12 and folic acid deficient, and currently waiting to be referred to a gastroenterologist. I've done some research, and know that b12, folate and iron deficiencies are common findings in Celiac. But my iron levels are fine. Is it possible for Celiac to manifest in just a b12/folate deficiency and not iron? I find this pretty odd to be honest. Also, the doctor said I'm not anemic because my haemoglobin is fine, so again, is it possible for Celiac to present in this way? Non-anemic b12/folate deficiency?

Thanks if anyone knows the answer :D

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Ninja Contributor
Ninja
Posted

Have you had your ferritin checked? Ferritin measures iron stores. In the case of iron-deficiency anemia... ferritin is usually the first to start dropping. If your doctor is going solely off of your hemoglobin levels, he/she is being lazy. I'd be hesitant to call anybody with other vitamin deficiencies as not iron deficient without a more thorough workup.

Laura

Jonoh Rookie
Jonoh
Posted
  • Author

Sorry if I wasn't clear in my first post. My iron (ferritin) levels are fine and within range.

mushroom Proficient
mushroom
Posted

My iron levels were okay but B12, folate were low, and MCV (mean corpuscular volume) was too high - only just - meaning the red blood cells were not dividing normally and I was diagnosed with pernicious anemia. Took the B12 shots, and folate, and was fine.

Smylinacha Apprentice
Smylinacha
Posted

My ferratin, B12 and Vit D was low and they wanted me to have shots. This was with my regular GP who never thought of celiac. My gastro told me those are symptoms. I have to have blood drawn again in 2 more months so I'll be looking forward to where I stand when that happens - been taking gluten free multi vitamins and on a gluten free diet now.

Jonoh Rookie
Jonoh
Posted
  • Author

Thanks for the reply guys

My iron levels were okay but B12, folate were low, and MCV (mean corpuscular volume) was too high - only just - meaning the red blood cells were not dividing normally and I was diagnosed with pernicious anemia. Took the B12 shots, and folate, and was fine.

Mushroom, that's exactly how my blood tests read too.. I wasn't told I have pernicious anemia though :S I'm currently taking supplements, the doc said that I'd have to have the injections if they don't work. At least I know now that it could still be Celiac :)

mushroom Proficient
mushroom
Posted

Thanks for the reply guys

Mushroom, that's exactly how my blood tests read too.. I wasn't told I have pernicious anemia though :S I'm currently taking supplements, the doc said that I'd have to have the injections if they don't work. At least I know now that it could still be Celiac :)

I only needed the B12 injections because I had a reaction to the sublinguals.

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Ninja Contributor
Ninja
Posted

Oh, well I'm sure it's possible! Just depends on where the damage is and how your body is affected by it. After all, it seems like anything is possible with celiac. :blink: I was slightly iron-deficient, but had a more significant b12 deficiency. Folate was apparently fine.

Laura

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