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B12 Tablets: A Silent Deficiency Deceiver?
2 Dec
Summary
- B12 tablets may show normal blood results but fail to provide actual benefits.
- Active B12 levels, not total B12, determine true deficiency.
- Injections offer a more reliable B12 boost when gut absorption is compromised.
A common B12 tablet may provide misleading blood test results, according to orthopaedic Dr Amir Sanghavi. He suggests that B12 injections are preferable because tablets can yield normal reports that do not reflect the body's actual B12 status. This discrepancy occurs as tablets can remain in the system for up to 48 hours, leading to false positives and masking a true deficiency.
Internal medicine consultant Dr Rituja Ugalmugle clarifies that routine B12 tests measure total B12, including inactive forms, meaning a 'normal' report doesn't guarantee cells are receiving usable B12. Symptoms like fatigue or brain fog may persist due to this. Sensitive markers like Methylmalonic acid (MMA) and Homocysteine can detect true B12 status when routine tests are inconclusive.
For those with absorption issues due to gut health, medications, or age, B12 injections bypass the digestive system for more reliable absorption. While not inherently 'stronger,' injections are a more predictable way to correct deficiency when oral tablets fail, emphasizing personalized treatment plans for optimal B12 levels.
