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B12: Why Deficiency Matters for Fertility

Updated: Nov 12

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B12 For Fertility:


Have you ever had your B12 levels tested?

B12 is a actually a very common deficiency. Given this vitamin is particularly important for egg quality and reducing miscarriage, being deficient in B12 can have a significant impact on fertility. When B12 is deficient, metabolic toxins build up which harm the quality of the developing egg. This can lead to implantation failure, miscarriage or pregnancy complications.


Symptoms of B12 Deficiency


  • Fatigue

  • Pins and needles

  • Brain fog, poor memory or concentration

  • Pale complexion

  • Dizziness

  • Muscle weakness

  • Mood changes such as anxiety

  • Heart palpitations


Potential Fertility Problems with B12 Deficiency


  • Poor embryo quality (from suspected low egg quality)

  • Miscarriage

  • Implantation failure


Root Causes/ Complications of B12 Deficiency


  • Intestinal problems

  • Celiac, IBS or Crohn's disease

  • Autoimmunity

  • Metformin (given for insulin resistance in PCOS)

  • Low stomach acid


We can see that poor gut health and microbiome causes poor absorption of vitamins and leads to deficiencies such as B12. We'll explore the relevance of this for Chinese Medicine.


B12 Deficiency in Chinese Medicine:


In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM,) B12 Deficiency is Blood Deficiency. It starts as a Liver Blood Deficiency and can develop into Heart Blood Deficiency if palpitations and anxiety are present.

Blood Deficiency is a progression of Spleen Qi Deficiency, which corresponds with the cause of B12 deficiency being poor absorption; a digestive problem. One of the Spleen's main functions is healthy digestion in TCM.


Therefore in acupuncture, we go to the root of the problem first, we treat the Spleen Qi Deficiency as a primary principle.


Using acupuncture needles on the Spleen, Liver and Heart meridians we would use the following treatments principles:


  • Strengthen the Spleen (to make blood)

  • Nourish the Blood

  • Support the Heart

  • Calm Anxiety


The chakras involved are:


  • Solar Plexus Chakra

  • Heart Chakra


These chakras process emotions and relate to anxiety and overthinking. Therefore, if you have a suspected B12 or Blood Deficiency, you could support your healing by working with the solar plexus and heart chakras through:


  • Heart - Uterus meditation

  • Solar Plexus Anxiety Meditation

  • Inner child meditation

  • Journal about feelings and burn the paper


B12 Testing


You can request a B12 blood test with the GP, however, this is usually given if there is a clinical reason.


Sometimes, the level of B12 in the blood that is considered 'normal' is not optimal for fertility. Additionally, the blood test for B12 doesn't accurately measure the amount of B12 available to cells to perform detoxification. You could have a either low B12 in the blood or low bioavailability of B12 in the cells. Either of these types of deficiency could lead to an increased risk of miscarriage.


Studies have shown that the level of B12 in the blood should be above 350pg/mL for fertility, with a study of IVF patients in the Massachussets General Hospital indicating that pregnancy rates were increased when the blood level of B12 was above 700pg/mL.


However, the blood level may be normal, but there may be a problem with transportation or processing of B12. This can happen if B12 is bound to proteins and biologically inactive.


How do you test for that?


MMA Testing


MMA is methylmalonic acid. It is a toxin produced by normal metabolism. It is normally broken down with the help of B12. MMA builds up in the body if there is a deficiency in the function of B12. So, if you have a normal serum B12 blood test result yet you experience the above symptoms and fertility problems, it might be worth getting an MMA test. This tests the amount of MMA in the blood. If it higher than normal, it suggests a problem with B12.


You can get an MMA test with Medichecks for £149 at the link below:




Supplementation:


Historically, there has been controversy regarding whether B12 oral tablets or injections are more effective for absorption. As one of the main causes of B12 deficiency is poor absorption through the digestive tract, some people tolerate injections better. However, many clinicians state that if a high enough dose of an oral supplement is given in a bio active form, it is effective at correcting a deficiency. Studies have found that 1000-2000mcg daily is the required dose for B12 deficiency.


Overall Advice:


  1. Request a B12 blood test

  2. If levels are below 350pg/mL and/or you have the above symptoms, purchase the MMA test from Medichecks.

  3. Take a B12 supplement recommended by your doctor.

  4. Explore the heart- emotions / mind- body connection. Express and process your emotions (heart chakra) in order to heal the underlying cause of the blood deficiency.

  5. Look into gut health for better absorption of B12 (Spleen Qi and Solar plexus connection).










 
 
 

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