Low Potassium Caused by B12

[lero1]

Hi,

I have a lot of questions about low potassium caused by methyl-b12 or adenosyl-b12 and/or methylfolate. Looks like this is the right forum to ask this; people here seem to know this stuff

1. I ALWAYS face low potassium after taking B12. While I haven't validated this with a blood test confirming hypokalemia, I always feel better and "back in my senses" after taking potassium. I cannot keep a high enough b12 level because of excessive potassium demands b12 induces in my body, during which I just cannot function. I've seen people take mb12 everyday for years without any low potassium issues. How is this possible!?
   
   Have any of you got a blood test done confirming hypokalemia? Is it worth worsening myself (by not taking potassium after B12) in order to get some proof?
   
   
   
2. I've asked A LOT of doctors about this and they simply laugh it off, giving me the look that I don't know what I'm saying. Have any doctors helped you out with this issue, or recommended potassium rich food or supplements to be taken along with B12?
   
   
   
3. I can't seem to find any research studies about B12 induced hypokalemia. Are there any?
   
   

 

[ahmo]

You might find some answers in the 2nd doc linked in my signature, a compilation from Freddd's Protocol. My understanding is that the need for K+ w/ folate is due to the increased action of new cell formation. I don't know if this is the same mechanism with B12. I had quite high needs for K+ as I was implementing Freddd's Protocol. But now my needs are greatly reduced. I think I'm meeting my K+ needs now with my high carrot intake. In any case, I haven't needed added K+ for some time.

 

[PeterPositive]

What are exactly your symptoms when taking high amounts of B12?

 

[lero1]

What are exactly your symptoms when taking high amounts of B12?

After about 15-18 hours of taking B12 (1mg to 3mg) and/or Methylfolate, symptoms:

Dry mouth, frequent urination, mental sluggishness and confusion , muscle weakness and aches, tighness in chest, palpitations.

 

[Valentijn]

@lero1 - You might do better with hydroxoB12. I've never heard of it depleting potassium.

 

[lero1]

@Valentijn Yeah. Thinking about it. That or cyanoB12.

 

[ChetRoi]

My understanding is higher dose MB-12 or AB-12 can cause frequent urination. Potassium leaves the body (through urination) much more rapidly causing hypokalemia.

Weight lifters who take a lot of AB-12 often have this problem so they supplement with potassium. Those who do not sometime have serious (possibly fatal) consequences.

It is a bit of a tough problem since the symptoms for hypokalemia and hyperkalemia are the same.