From the Research
Elevated vitamin B12 levels without supplementation can be caused by various factors, including liver disease, kidney disease, certain blood disorders, solid organ cancers, and autoimmune conditions, as well as excessive consumption of B12-rich foods or certain medications, as noted in a recent study 1.
Causes of Elevated Vitamin B12 Levels
Some of the key factors that can lead to elevated vitamin B12 levels without supplementation include:
- Liver disease, such as hepatitis and cirrhosis, which can cause damaged liver cells to release stored B12 into the bloodstream 1
- Kidney disease, which can impair B12 excretion, leading to its accumulation in the blood 1
- Certain blood disorders, like myeloproliferative disorders, polycythemia vera, and chronic myelogenous leukemia, which can result in increased production of blood cells that carry B12 1
- Solid organ cancers, especially liver and kidney cancers, which may cause B12 elevation 1
- Autoimmune conditions, such as Graves' disease, which can interfere with B12 binding proteins, leading to higher measured levels 1
- Certain medications, including metformin, which can artificially elevate B12 readings in blood tests 2
- Excessive consumption of B12-rich foods, like liver, shellfish, and fortified nutritional yeast, although dietary sources alone rarely cause significant elevation 1
Importance of Consulting a Healthcare Provider
If you have unexpectedly high B12 levels, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause, as elevated B12 can sometimes be a marker of serious underlying conditions 1. A healthcare provider can help identify the cause of elevated B12 levels and provide appropriate treatment and management.
Recent Study Findings
A recent study published in 2023 found that hypervitaminosis B12 has been associated with renal failure, liver diseases, alcohol use disorder, solid tumors, and hematological malignancies 1. This study highlights the importance of investigating the underlying cause of elevated vitamin B12 levels.