A few weeks ago I mentioned that I was having some B-12 issues. Over the past year my B-12 levels have steadily decreased and most recently went down to 376. I have been eating vegan for 20 months and had been taking one 3000 mcg B-12 lozenge a week. Clearly not enough.
My doctor had me come in for weekly B-12 shots for four weeks. My blood work results this week showed an elevation of B-12 to 631! She was very pleased. What I love about my doctor is that she has not worked with a vegan on B-12 issues before so she took some time to research it well before making a recommendation for next steps. She asked on more than one occasion, “You’re vegan and you mean it, right?” I laughed each time but I appreciated why she asked. She needed to be sure that she was making a recommendation based on my diet of absolutely no animal products.
Her review of the literature led her to recommend that I take B-12 orally, versus a shot, because my B-12 issues are dietary. She is recommending that I take one 1000 mcg tablet or lozenge (I’m choosing a lozenge) each day. She said I should come back in three months for blood work to assess my levels. “Oh, wait, you’re vegan and you mean it, right?” She’s having me come back in six weeks for the blood work.
I’ll keep you posted.
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Did you see my post yesterday? I finally tried out John’s of 12th Street — a traditional Italian joint with a full vegan menu, as well! Check it out!
20 thoughts on “My B-12 journey”
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Great to hear that your doctor has been so responsive and took the time to do research! Congrats on your progress 🙂
Because of your last post on the B12 deficiency, I’ve definitely upped my intake. I’m taking a 1000 mcg lozenge every 2 or 3 days. I haven’t gotten blood tests done, however, so I don’t know if this is helping, but overall, in addition to the almost-daily 1000 IU of Vitamin D, I’m feeling much better.
This has me curious – I thought we only needed 100mg a day to maintain the right levels of B12. Is it because you were already low that you are taking 1000mg a day now – to build back up to the proper levels?
Heather, I guess the first point of order is to make sure you are at the right levels. Since I was clearly not, and weekly injections of B12 didn’t sky-rocket me out of the range on the high side, it indicated to my doctor that 1000 mcg daily was a good starting point. I’m sure it varies for each person.
GREAT results!
I’ve been getting the shots–started out 1/week, then 1/every 2 weeks, now I’m up to 1/month. My doctor said some people just have problems absorbing B12. It was great that she didn’t immediately tell me to eat a big steak. 🙂
When I started I was at 164; I’m going to get tested again in two weeks–hopefully it’s gone up as dramatically as yours has!
J., I’d love to hear about your results! This is all so interesting (and important!), isn’t it?
That’s great that you have a doctors that understands. Do you eat Nutritional Yeast? From what I hear it’s super high in B12!! 🙂 Have a great weekend!!
If only all doctors cared so muc as yours. Im glad you are making progress with your B-12.
My mom just found out she needs shots of B-12. You seem to be going through the same thing as my mom. Now I can follow up with you to see how you are doing with it. Is it common for vegans to be lacking this vitamin?
Yes, it can be an issue for vegans as B12 naturally comes from animal products. Vegans need to either eat b12 fortified foods daily or take a supplement.
I went from 292 to 729 after taking 1000 mcg. daily for a year. You’ll see a difference right away!
I just recently started taking spirulina in conjunction with my usual daily vitamin and am WOWED by the amount of B vitamins the two include. Do you usually take vitamins?
Yes, I take a once a day women’s mutli-vitamin and a daily calcium-magnesium-vitamin D supplement, as well. My overall blood work results were excellent (my Vitamin D is better than my omni husband’s); my only issue is B-12
So glad your numbers are going up and your doc is willing to work with you. I have a physical tomorrow and can’t wait to see how everything looks.
How fantastic that your doctor is so willing to work with you rather than not care, or even advise against a vegan diet. I really should get my D and B12 levels tested, but my doctor failed to ask a single question about my diet during my last physical! He was in and out in 10 minutes, I was less than pleased.
So glad your B12 is on the rise!
My new trainer suggested I look into B12 shots as well. I feel fine though so not sure I need to rush into it. Thanks for sharing your story!
Great news about your B12 levels! Sounds like you have a great doctor too 🙂