Is A Vitamin B12 Level Of 176 A Cause Of Concern?

Posted on Tue, 17 Mar 2015

Question: Hi I have some questions. I had a lot of tests and blood work done for my heart. All cardiac tests came back normal but showed palpitations (PVCS AND PACS) doctor said all is normal with the heart. Blood work everything looks normal as well. The only thing that concerned me is my b12 level is 176. The test said this was in the normal range but from what I've read online this is low. I do get symptoms of muscle cramping in my legs especially my calf. I also get light headed sometimes. Can this be b12 deficiency?

Answered by Dr. Divakara (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes you are deficient.

Detailed Answer:
HI

Greetings from Dr.Divakara.P
Thanks for posting your query.

Yes you are deficient in Vitamin B12 . Your light headedness and leg cramps can be explained due to Vitamin B12 deficiency.

You need to undergo certain more tests to know what is the cause of Vitamin B12 deficiency. In that regards I advise you to get Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy , Rapid Urease test for H Pylori and Anti - Intrinsic Factor Antibody tests done and revert back with reports.

For the correction of deficiency you need to take Vitamin B12 injections for 3-4 months. Ask your doctor for the prescription.

Hope this information was useful to you.
Any clarification feel free to ask .

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Divakara (36 minutes later)

Hi Doctor Thank you for your response. Can this defiance be causing the pvcs pacs and slight bradycardia? Or are those beats still due to stress and anxiety? My resting heart rate is around 55 but my cardiologist says it is normal. I am not an athlete but I have lost 75 lbs this past year through whole food diet

Answered by Dr. Divakara (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Vitamin B12 deficiency won't cause PVCs

Detailed Answer:
HI

Thanks for the follow up.

It is very unlikely for b 12 deficiency to cause PVCs or bradycardia.

Your heart rate of 55 is fine , nothing to be worried or nothing needs to be done.

If all the causes for PVC have been evaluated and it is normal then yes it can be due to your Anxiety.

Hope this information was useful to you.
Any clarification feel free to ask .

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Divakara (6 hours later)

Hi Doctor I have one last question. I have purchased B12 supplement which is sub lingual. It is 1000 mcg. I was just wondering I heard that b12 can make anxiety worse is this true? Also I heard it can cause reactions in your body. Is this the case or is it safe to take?

Answered by Dr. Divakara (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
It's safe.

Detailed Answer:
HI

NO B12 will not cause or worsen Anxiety.

See every medicines comes with side effects but every person taking medicine will not have side effects.

In my practise I have noticed that Vitamin B12 supplements are quite safe and my advise to you is to take it .

Hope this information was useful to you.
Any clarification feel free to ask .

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Divakara (25 minutes later)

One last question I have doctor will the b12 worsen bradycardia? I heard it can also make heart rate slower but do not know if this is true

Answered by Dr. Divakara (30 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Not at all.

Detailed Answer:
HI

No Not at all . Vitamin B12 has no effect on heart rate. I have used this on many of my patients . Don't worry. Take it.

Regards.

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar