I was diagnosed 12 years ago with pernicious anemia. I recently have been diagnosied with celiac disease. Since I am on a gluten free diet now can I quit taking B-12 shots?
2007-05-10 16:10:27 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
Hi K K. Continuing with your B12 therapy may be a good idea. You may still be deficient in Intrinsic Factor (the cause of Pernicious Anemia). If you have doubts about your B12 level, your doctor can monitor your B12 status by periodically ordering tests of your Homocysteine and Methylmalonic Acid levels. Elevation of these two metabolites would indicate inadequate B12 status.
Note: high oral doses of B12 (at least 1000 micrograms/day) may be adequate to maintain your B12 levels without shots. But, if you have been diagnosed with Pernicious Anemia, I would NOT rely on oral dosing without regular metabolite monitoring as noted above.
Best wishes and good luck.
2007-05-10 16:18:41 · answer #1 · answered by Doctor J 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
NO you can not for a reason that B12 is the only answer to your problem !and B12 is water soluble and will not give any bad effect so you have to continue it but may be less frequently that what you are taking !You can not take chances for a such thing !Otherwise it may lead to some more problems !First you have to go for blood test for B12 assessment before you give up B12 !take care Always YouRsmE
2007-05-10 16:17:37 · answer #2 · answered by Dr.D.C.Mehta-Jamnagar 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no! stay on the B-12's till your immune is good =]
or otherwise noted by a doctor.
2007-05-10 16:44:40 · answer #3 · answered by Paul 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋