It appears that B12 deficiency and/or folic acid deficiency is an issue for some of us ostomates and I am curious to know whether my symptoms might be indicative of a B12 deficiency.
By way of background, I was diagnosed with IBD at 15 (indeterminate colitis) and had an ileostomy at 25 (now aged 45). I had a folic acid deficiency identified by my GP about 15 years ago and I have been taking folic acid pills ever since on a daily basis. Over the last few years, I have increased the amount of folic acid consumed to 3 pills per day (@ 1mg each) as I believe that it increases my energy levels. Periodically, including the last month or so, I have reduced my folic acid intake back down to 1 pill (@1mg) per day. However, when I do this, I feel more fatigued and, recently, have noted a regular tingling sensation in my legs. I have also been taking 2 “children’s” chewable multi-vitamins with iron per day the last few years. My health, otherwise, is good.
Anyways, I am wondering whether I might be B12 deficient and was wondering if others had similar symptoms and/or could provide input (am also seeing my GP end of this week – last doctor visit was April 2009):
(1) Medical information mentions that folic acid therapy can mask a B12 deficiency – is there any way to test for B12 deficiency while you are taking folic acid on a regular basis?
(2) Has anyone with B12 deficiency experienced a “tingling” sensation in the legs – is it possibly related to B12 deficiency?
(3) Is the sublingual route for taking B12 as effective as getting B12 injections?
(4) Any other comments/thoughts?
Thanks for your help!
By way of background, I was diagnosed with IBD at 15 (indeterminate colitis) and had an ileostomy at 25 (now aged 45). I had a folic acid deficiency identified by my GP about 15 years ago and I have been taking folic acid pills ever since on a daily basis. Over the last few years, I have increased the amount of folic acid consumed to 3 pills per day (@ 1mg each) as I believe that it increases my energy levels. Periodically, including the last month or so, I have reduced my folic acid intake back down to 1 pill (@1mg) per day. However, when I do this, I feel more fatigued and, recently, have noted a regular tingling sensation in my legs. I have also been taking 2 “children’s” chewable multi-vitamins with iron per day the last few years. My health, otherwise, is good.
Anyways, I am wondering whether I might be B12 deficient and was wondering if others had similar symptoms and/or could provide input (am also seeing my GP end of this week – last doctor visit was April 2009):
(1) Medical information mentions that folic acid therapy can mask a B12 deficiency – is there any way to test for B12 deficiency while you are taking folic acid on a regular basis?
(2) Has anyone with B12 deficiency experienced a “tingling” sensation in the legs – is it possibly related to B12 deficiency?
(3) Is the sublingual route for taking B12 as effective as getting B12 injections?
(4) Any other comments/thoughts?
Thanks for your help!
