What Does My Vitamin B12 Test Report Indicate?

Posted on Sat, 7 Feb 2015

Question: My younger brother XXXXXXX has been diagnosed with Hitus Hernia recently. His gastro-enterologist suggested Vitamin B12 test. This report came today and it is 90 pg/ml. I read that normal range is 200-900 pg/ml for Vitamin B12. Gastro-enterologist suggested to take Vitamin B12 injections over a span of 6 months, first 3 doses to be taken daily for 3 days, next 4 to be taken one per week, and then one per month for 6 months.

Can you please advise whether taking Vitamin B12 injections is advisable or can we take some medicines orally? Also, what fruits and vegetables are good for this deficiency ?

Answered by Dr. Dr.Ashwin Bhandari (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Your doctor has suggested you the right treatment.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for the query.

I understand your concerns and would have suggested you the same treatment as the gastroenterologist has suggested. As your brother's vitamin B12 levels are too low, your doctor has prescribed him Vitamin B12 injections for 6 months. After 6 months after repeating the test, if the levels come in normal range, the doctor would stop injections and prescribe vitamin B complex capsules.

Do not worry regarding the treatment, it is rightly advised.

Regarding diet, as I believe your brother would be non vegetarian, meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and dairy products are rich sources of vitamin B. He can also have fortified cereals and soy milk.

Hope this answers your query. If any further clarifications, will be happy to help you.

Regards.

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