Posts by Scott Gray4

Hannah Lee47 said:My lab results show iron is at 12, while vitamin B6 is elevated, though B12 is normal.
My doctor didn't prescribe anything, saying it’s not necessary since my hemoglobin is fine and the high B6 isn't toxic.
But I was just reading online that an excess of vitamins—especially B6—can be just as dangerous as a deficiency, so now I'm stuck wondering.
Since most foods rich in iron also contain B6, it's a bit confusing.
If anyone has a professional take, could the high B6 have actually caused anemia in my specific case?

Dear Dr. Harvey,
A few years back, I dealt with hives. Tests showed they were caused by H. pylori in my stomach. I finished a triple therapy course and then had an EGD, which revealed a hiatal hernia and some erosions. The doctor prescribed antibiotics again—honestly, I still don't get why I needed a second round when they hadn't even re-tested for H. pylori. After those treatments, I felt fine until this past spring. In the meantime, I moved to the Netherlands, where I live now. Here, I first saw a doctor about the hives, and tests showed allergies to dust and eggs; I also tested negative for H. pylori twice. Since spring, my only issue has been a sore throat. Based on my history of a hernia and previous H. pylori, my GP concluded the throat issues are due to acid reflux and prescribed Omeprazole 20 mg, which I took for nearly four months. Omeprazole didn't help, so I got a referral to an ENT specialist. The specialist checked my throat with a light and agreed the pain was caused by stomach acid, so he bumped me up to a double dose of Omeprazole 40 mg, twice a day. I took that for another month, but then I started noticing blue bruises appearing on my legs. I stopped taking it on my own and went back to my GP, who sent me for blood work to check my thyroid, thrombosis risk, liver, and vitamin levels. Everything came back normal except for my iron, which is at 12, and elevated B6. I've been off all medication for a month now, and my throat issues are returning. I'm at a loss. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Best regards,

My latest lab results show I’m low on iron at 12, while my Vitamin B6 is elevated. B12 levels look fine.
My doctor didn't prescribe anything; she says there's no need since my hemoglobin is normal and the high B6 isn't toxic.
But now I’ve been reading stuff online claiming that high vitamin levels—especially B6—can be just as risky as a deficiency, and honestly, I'm feeling pretty unsure about it.
It seems like almost everything high in iron also carries Vitamin B6.
If anyone has some expert insight, could an increase in B6 actually be causing anemia in a case like mine?

Can someone please reach out and share what their experience was like getting surgery for a hiatal hernia? I'm also wondering where the best places are to go for it and what kind of cost we're looking at here in the States?