High levels of B12 in the blood may indicate a number of different health issues. Some potential causes include an overactive thyroid, certain medications, and certain cancers, such as multiple myeloma or non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
High levels can also arise from taking B12 supplements or injections, or from a diet high in animal proteins, such as fish, eggs, and dairy products.
In some cases, high B12 levels can lead to side effects such as abnormally colored urine, difficulty sleeping, and shortness of breath. If elevated B12 levels are associated with a particular health condition, the symptoms of the condition may worsen.
Seeking medical advice is the best course of action if there is suspicion of a high B12 level. Treatment options would depend on the underlying cause. Lowering dietary intake of B12 may be recommended in some cases, while supplementation or adjustments to medications may be necessary in others.
Should I worry about high B12 levels?
That depends on the circumstances. Generally speaking, it is not necessary to worry about high B12 levels, as a higher than normal B12 level is usually not an indicator of any health problem. It is possible that high B12 levels occur because of certain medications or supplements that a person has been taking, or if the body has been in an environment with an overexposure to B12.
In those cases, high B12 levels need to be monitored and discussed with a health care provider. It is also possible that high B12 levels could be caused by a liver or kidney disorder, or it could even be a sign of certain types of cancer.
If you have any reason to believe that your B12 level is abnormally high, it is important to consult with a medical professional and have the level tested to make sure it is not a sign of a more serious health condition.
What level of B12 is concerning?
A B12 level that is considered to be concerning is anything lower than the normal range, which is around 200-1100 pg/mL. A B12 deficiency is typically seen with a number lower than 200 pg/mL. If a B12 level is lower than this, it is important to visit a healthcare provider to determine the cause and to start taking steps to correct it.
Other markers of a B12 deficiency can include increased tiredness and fatigue, as well as neurological symptoms like tingling or numbness in the hands and feet. Working with a healthcare provider to adjust your diet, explore supplement options, or begin B12 injections can help to correct a B12 deficiency.
Why is my B12 blood test so high?
Your B12 blood test results could be high for a variety of reasons. The most common reason is that you are taking a supplement or receiving a B12 injection for a deficiency, as supplementation of B12 can cause your levels to raise above the normal range.
If you are not taking any supplements or injections, your body may be producing too much of the vitamin or it could be an inaccurate result. If your levels are significantly above the normal range and you are not taking any B12 supplements, it is recommended to contact your doctor in order to evaluate and explain the results.
Certain forms of leukemia, and cirrhosis of the liver – that may cause increased B12 levels in the blood. If this is the case, your doctor can explain more about the diagnosis and recommend treatment.
How do you get rid of excess B12?
Excess B12 is not directly excreted, since it is stored in the body for long periods of time. Therefore, getting rid of excess B12 requires decreasing dietary intake and implementing lifestyle changes to slow absorption and facilitate excretion.
To reduce dietary intake of B12, incorporating more plant-based foods, as plant-based diets are naturally low in B12, is recommended. Additionally, limiting processed foods, which often contain high levels of B12, and decreasing consumption of red meat and dairy products, a great source of B12, can help reduce dietary intake.
Making changes to the gut microbiome is another helpful way to get rid of excess B12. Supplementation with probiotics to diversify the existing microbiome is one way to go, as probiotics can help break down and excrete absorbed B12.
Increasing fiber intake is beneficial too, as fiber binds to and transports B12, causing it to be excreted in the feces. Ensuring adequate hydration is also especially important, as hydration helps to flush out excess B12 from the body.
If a person is taking a B12 supplement, reducing or eliminating the supplement is advised.
What cancers cause high B12?
High levels of B12, or hypervitaminosis B12, can be caused by a variety of diseases and conditions, including certain types of cancer. Certain forms of lymphoma and leukemia are known to be associated with elevated levels of B12 in the blood.
One type of leukemia commonly associated with elevated levels of B12 is known as chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). CML is a form of cancer that affects the bone marrow and white blood cell production.
Another type of cancer known to cause elevated B12 levels is multiple myeloma. Multiple myeloma is a form of cancer that affects the bone marrow and plasma cells, and it is associated with elevated B12 levels in the blood.
In addition to the cancers listed, other types of cancer such as ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, colon cancer, and stomach cancer have been known to be associated with elevated levels of B12. It is important to note that elevated B12 levels can be caused by a variety of conditions and that any unusual increases in B12 should be evaluated by a doctor.
Treatment for elevated B12 levels will depend on the underlying cause.
How long does it take to flush out B12?
It typically takes between 24 and 72 hours for the body to fully flush out Vitamin B12. This can vary depending on a person’s age, general health, and other factors. For example, older people may take a bit longer to flush out Vitamin B12, while younger people may flush it out more quickly.
Additionally, a person’s diet, medications, and other lifestyle choices can also influence the rate at which Vitamin B12 is flushed out. While it may take up to 72 hours for Vitamin B12 to completely leave the body, taking a B12 supplement on a regular basis can help to ensure a healthy level of the vitamin all of the time.
How much B12 is too much?
The recommended daily amount of B12 for adults is 2.4 micrograms, so it can be difficult to consume too much B12. The body does not store B12, and any amount greater than what’s needed is simply excreted in the urine.
It’s very rare for anyone to take and absorb sufficiently high levels of B12 for it to reach toxic levels. That said, it’s possible to reach toxic levels if you intentionally or unintentionally consume extremely high doses of B12 from dietary supplements, or from receiving an injection.
Symptoms of B12 toxicity can include acne, anxiety, headaches, sleeping disorders, poor coordination, confusion, fever, and gastrointestinal disturbances. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
What foods to avoid if B12 is high?
If a person’s B12 levels are high, there a few specific foods they should avoid. Animal liver is especially high in B12, so it should be avoided as a dietary choice. Other food sources that are typically full of vitamin B12 are clams, trout, salmon, tuna, beef, and fortified breakfast cereals.
Foods that are high in saturated fat should also be avoided, since they can increase the level of B12 in the body. Processed foods and refined carbohydrates also should be avoided, since these can lead to a spike in B12 levels.
Additionally, avoiding foods that are high in sugar and preservatives is generally a good practice for healthy eating.
How do I get my B12 back to normal?
Getting your B12 back to normal requires the combined effort of a healthy diet and lifestyle changes, as well as supplementing with B12. First, ensure that your diet includes plenty of foods that are rich in B12 such as beef, fish, poultry, eggs, milk, yogurt, and fortified cereals.
Additionally, paying close attention to your lifestyle can also help. Get adequate sleep, exercise regularly, reduce alcohol intake and reduce stress. Lastly, supplement with B12 to ensure that you are getting the recommended daily amount.
B12 is available in both pill and injection form. You should discuss with your doctor to determine the best form and source of vitamin B12 for you. Taking these steps combined can help get your B12 back to normal.
What causes falsely elevated B12 levels?
Falsely elevated vitamin B12 levels can be caused by a variety of different factors. One of the most common causes is taking a form of supplemental vitamin B12, such as a vitamin B12 shot, which can temporarily raise serum vitamin B12 levels in a person’s body.
Additionally, vitamin B12 injections, which are given as a treatment for vitamin B12 deficiency, can also lead to a falsely elevated serum B12 level.
Other causes of falsely elevated B12 levels can include conditions such as pregnancy, chronic renal disease, and certain medications, including metformin and antibiotics. Other rare causes include liver cancer, autoimmune diseases, and some genetic deficiencies.
Some laboratory errors during the analysis of a person’s blood sample can also lead to falsely elevated B12 levels.
Does high vitamin B12 mean leukemia?
No, high vitamin B12 does not mean leukemia. While higher levels of vitamin B12 are sometimes seen in individuals with leukemia, this is not a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that many people can become deficient in, and some forms of leukemia can cause a deficiency, leading to subsequent elevated levels.
Additionally, increased levels of vitamin B12 can be seen as a symptom of other conditions such as liver disease, hypothyroidism, and certain types of anemia. Therefore, it is important to speak to your doctor if you have any concerns about increased levels of vitamin B12, so that they can properly evaluate the underlying cause.
It is important to note that high levels of vitamin B12 are typically not associated with leukemia by themselves. However, when considered alongside other symptoms and warning signs, it can be helpful in making a diagnosis.
Therefore, if you have any other symptoms of leukemia such as unexplained weight loss, night sweats, or fatigue, it is important to speak to your doctor.
In conclusion, while increased levels of vitamin B12 can sometimes be seen in individuals with leukemia, it is important to speak with your doctor to determine the underlying cause and rule out any other possible conditions.
Can you get a false positive for vitamin B12?
Yes, it is possible to get a false positive for vitamin B12. This can happen due to laboratory errors, as well as a few other factors. For example, some medications and supplements, like folic acid and other B-vitamins, can interfere with the vitamin B12 test results and cause a false positive.
In rare cases, certain medical conditions, such as liver disease, can also cause a false positive. It is important to speak with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about the results of your vitamin B12 test.
Is it possible to have high B12 levels and still be deficient?
Yes, it is possible to have high B12 levels and still be deficient. This is because the body may not be absorbing enough B12 from the diet to meet its needs. B12 absorption requires a healthy digestive system and depends on other nutrients such as folic acid, iron, and vitamin B6.
As we age, or when we have digestive issues, our ability to absorb B12 is impaired and we can suffer from a deficiency even if our B12 levels are still high. Symptoms of B12 deficiency may include fatigue, depression, memory loss, tongue soreness and/or neurological problems.
A blood test can be done to determine if you are deficient. If you are found to be deficient, your healthcare practitioner may recommend B12 supplementation or suggest other treatment options.
