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Malabsorption of Vitamins? High serum levels

I'm waiting to hear from my doctor, but was wondering if anyone has has very high serum levels of vitamin B12 and Folate, and if that might mean my body is not absorbing tham? Reading on the Internet there are some scary reasons for high B12, but I'm hoping it is circulating in my blood because my body can't utilize it. Thank you!

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  • As an RNY I'm supposed to take 500mg of B12 daily. But if you take it even the day before, most of us will have high levels circulating in our blood. And bari surgeons aren't super concerned. Min

  • Thanks! My GP says my levels are so high, 2000, because I have deficiencies. Im going to ask bari surgeon if I need B12 injections because it's obvious my body is not absorbing it.

  • since you're a bypass patient, you're not going to absorb the B12 that's in the multi. I'd probably just cut back on the extra B12 supplement a bit and see if your level comes down. For example, if

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when I had that issue (B12 level over 2000), the bariatric clinic told me to cut back on my dosage - they said I was oversupplementing. They see vitamin-related issues a lot - probably a lot more than a GP does - so I'd be inclined to believe them. You could always cut back and they can test your levels again later.


Great idea! I already have B12 in my bariatric multi, so will stop the extra B12 supplement for a month or two and retest! [emoji4]
12 hours ago, Briswife15 said:


Great idea! I already have B12 in my bariatric multi, so will stop the extra B12 supplement for a month or two and retest!

since you're a bypass patient, you're not going to absorb the B12 that's in the multi. I'd probably just cut back on the extra B12 supplement a bit and see if your level comes down. For example, if you're currently taking the extra B12 supplement every day, cut back to every other day.

I take a megadose of it. I used to take it once a week - I now take it every other week. My level was also over 2000 but now hovers around 1000-1200-ish. My bariatric clinic was never concerned about the 2000 level, though. They just said my body didn't need as much B12 as I was taking, so it was OK to cut back.

I have b12 injection every three month and my only other vitamins are chewable Flintstones complete. My blood work comes back all in normal range. Had RNY1 year 3 months ago. Hope you get it figured out

  • Author
since you're a bypass patient, you're not going to absorb the B12 that's in the multi. I'd probably just cut back on the extra B12 supplement a bit and see if your level comes down. For example, if you're currently taking the extra B12 supplement every day, cut back to every other day.
I take a megadose of it. I used to take it once a week - I now take it every other week. My level was also over 2000 but now hovers around 1000-1200-ish. My bariatric clinic was never concerned about the 2000 level, though. They just said my body didn't need as much B12 as I was taking, so it was OK to cut back.
Thank you, catwoman! I appreciate your reply. I had thought to stop the extra B12 completely, but your advice is the same as bariatric nurse... cut back, but don't eliminate the extra B12.
On 12/4/2019 at 1:41 PM, Briswife15 said:

I'm waiting to hear from my doctor, but was wondering if anyone has has very high serum levels of Vitamin B12 and Folate, and if that might mean my body is not absorbing tham? Reading on the Internet there are some scary reasons for high B12, but I'm hoping it is circulating in my blood because my body can't utilize it. Thank you!

It would not be in your blood serum if you were not absorbing it, I had high levels i was getting to much through all my vitimins and supplements . :)

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