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Dear collective brain, I have had a GP write to me asking for some help as one of his vegan patients presented him with the following information from the Vegan Society. Was anyone else aware of this and how did you deal with it? Testing B12 status A blood B12 level measurement is a very unreliable test for vegans, particularly for vegans using any form of algae. Algae and some other plant foods contain B12-analogues (false B12) that can imitate true B12 in blood tests while actually interfering with B12 metabolism. Blood counts are also unreliable as high folate intakes suppress the anaemia symptoms of B12 deficiency that can be detected by blood counts. Blood homocysteine testing is more reliable, with levels less than 10 micromol/litre being desirable. The most specific test for B12 status is methylmalonic acid (MMA) testing. If this is in the normal range in blood (<370 nmol/L) or urine (less than 4 mcg /mg creatinine) then your body has enough B12. Many doctors still rely on blood B12 levels and blood counts. These are not adequate, especially in vegans. http://www.vegansociety.com/lifestyle/nutrition/b12.aspx Thanks, Sally Dr Sally Brady Senior Clinical Scientist Blood Sciences The Hillingdon Hospital 01895 279924 -------------------------------------------------------------------- IMPORTANT NOTE: This E-Mail may contain information which is sensitive, confidential and/or protected by law (e.g.; Data Protection Act, Copyright & Intellectual Property Rights Act). This information may only be used for the purposes for which it is supplied. If you are not the intended recipient of this E-mail you may not use this information for any purpose or disclose it to any other person and the sender would appreciate a reply E-mail confirming that all of the information contained herein has been erased. -------------------------------------------------------------------- ------ACB discussion List Information-------- This is an open discussion list for the academic and clinical community working in clinical biochemistry. Please note, archived messages are public and can be viewed via the internet. Views expressed are those of the individual and they are responsible for all message content. ACB Web Site http://www.acb.org.uk Green Laboratories Work http://www.laboratorymedicine.nhs.uk List Archives http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/ACB-CLIN-CHEM-GEN.html List Instructions (How to leave etc.) http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/