From the Research
Elevated vitamin B12 levels in the blood typically do not indicate a medical problem on their own, but rather point to an underlying condition that needs to be investigated. High B12 levels can occur due to several factors including liver disease, certain blood disorders like myeloproliferative neoplasms or leukemia, kidney disease, or excessive supplementation 1. Some medications can also cause elevated B12, including metformin and proton pump inhibitors 2, 3. Unlike low B12, which requires treatment, high B12 usually doesn't need direct intervention but rather investigation of the underlying cause. If you have elevated B12 levels, your doctor will likely evaluate your medical history, medication use, and possibly order additional tests to determine why your levels are high. The body normally regulates B12 efficiently, excreting excess amounts in urine, so abnormally high levels often point to an underlying condition affecting this regulation rather than being harmful in themselves. It's also worth noting that some studies suggest that high vitamin B12 values can be benign, but in some cases, patients may develop severe hematological diseases later on 4. Therefore, it is essential to follow up with your doctor to determine the cause of elevated B12 levels and to rule out any underlying conditions that may need treatment. Some key points to consider include:
- Elevated B12 levels can be caused by various factors, including medical conditions and medications
- Investigation of the underlying cause is necessary to determine the best course of action
- Simply stopping B12 supplements may not resolve elevated levels if they're caused by an underlying medical condition
- Follow-up with your doctor is crucial to determine the cause of elevated B12 levels and to rule out any underlying conditions that may need treatment.