Vitamin B12 Deficiency and U.C.

[patsworth]

Hi,

I was just wondering if anyone had Vitamin B12 deficiency with Ulcerative Colitis? Or is it just Crohn's that affects the absorption?

Thanks

 

[Nica]

To my knowledge Vit b12 is absorbed in the small bowel. So people with UC should not be effected by B12 issues, aside from not taking enough in.

 

[Jennifer]

B12 is absorbed all throughout the digestive tract, not just the ilium as previously thought. Inflammation causes malabsorption and UC causes inflammation so its possible to be B12 deficient if you have UC. A blood test will let you know if you are B12 deficient.

 

[patsworth]

Thanks.

I'm having a colonoscopy this week to determine if it is UC or Crohn's or maybe something else? They thought it was UC on my last test but it isn't definite.

I had blood tests and I am deficient in Vitamin b12 so have started the injections. I guess I'm trying to figure out or prepare myself for a diagnosis this week.

 

[Nica]

Thanks Crabby I love learning new things about IBD.
I guess I need a B12 test. I wonder if they can just add it to the 10 blood draws they are doing this month?

 

[Jennifer]

Sure they can. Just ask your doc to check it.

 

[Nica]

Something else to bug my doc for.

Along with my thyroid tests he keeps doing. I wish I knew what the numbers meant!

 

[Jennifer]

Just ask your doc what they are checking for, then get your numbers from them and look it up. Or you can tell me or someone else (via PM) that info who has 1337 google skillz.

 

[Nica]

LOL I have l33t google skillz! there is a huge controversy over what TSH levels are considered to high and mean you have thyroid disease. Some places say over 7 (I think) others say over 2. So meh the doctors dont even know what they are doing!! mine is 3.5.

 

[Jennifer]

I can see what you mean, the number has jumped around over the years. I'll post my findings anyway so others know the current norm.

"As of February 2010, at most laboratories in the U.S., the official "normal" reference range for the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) blood test runs from approximately .5 to 4.5/5.0." http://thyroid.about.com/od/gettestedanddiagnosed/a/normaltshlevel.htm

 

[Nica]

That the thing though Endocrinologists are saying something else. Its just frustrating. Like I don't have enough wrong that I have to start telling my doc how to read my labs!?

 

[Jennifer]

Thanks.

I'm having a colonoscopy this week to determine if it is UC or Crohn's or maybe something else? They thought it was UC on my last test but it isn't definite.

I had blood tests and I am deficient in Vitamin b12 so have started the injections. I guess I'm trying to figure out or prepare myself for a diagnosis this week.

Whether its UC or Crohn's, if you're deficient in B12 then you need the shots no matter what. Good luck with the diagnosis!

 

[Jennifer]

That the thing though Endocrinologists are saying something else. Its just frustrating. Like I don't have enough wrong that I have to start telling my doc how to read my labs!?

There has to be other tests than just blood work to know for sure. Its not a yes you have it or no you don't sort of thing so people should be treated if their numbers are slightly too high/low if it makes them feel better you know? I don't know much about it myself though.

 

[Nica]

yes you are prolly right! As usual! Hehe how is it I can stay calm and give advice but get sooo frustrated with my own docs?