deb... is this low normal b12 a decrease from your last level?? if so, yes, you should probably supplement. if it's not a big change from the last one, ask your doc first. no matter what, if you decide to supplement, you MUST tell your doc.
ok. having said that. here's the medical stuff. abridged version. we store vitamin b12, and although the rerouting of our innards preserves the intrinsic factor [that's what it's called] that allows us to absorb b12, we don't actually eat enough to keep our b12 levels up, and the absorption isn't that efficient.
so, what's the point in actually swallowing b12 tablets? not much.
here's the alternative: schiff makes a sublingual b12 in 1000 mcg [which is the RDA]. it's in a tiny bottle, and they're tiny tablets, kind of purply pink with a pleasant fruit flavor. costs about 7 bucks for 90. one a day, let it dissolve under your tongue, and you'll get some decent oral absorption. there must be other brands, but the key points are: "melt in your mouth" and 1000 mcg.
if this doesn't raise your b12 levels, you'll be in for regular shots. and who needs that???
the risks of low b12 are serious, and include permanent, irreversible vision loss and damage to nerves. don't risk it.
and deb, you need to be taking 100% of the RDA of calcium separately. a multi just doesn't cut it. i've been taking calcium citrate capsules [not the horse pills], and opening them and pouring them into my protein shake. but i also just found a soluble calcium crystals that dissolve great in any liquid.
and be sure not to take calcium carbonate. we don't absorb it at all well. so that means none of those yummy candy-type calcium chewy things.
sorry for the lecture... hope it helps
and my b12 levels tanked, too. big time. so far the iron's ok.
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