<p>Methylcobalamin is the active form of B12, and is involved in many other reactions in the body such as reducing homocysteine and regulating melatonin production (and therefore sleep) and lots of other stuff.</p>
<p>The other forms (such as cyanocobalamin) aren’t as effective. Unfortunately they are much cheaper, which is why you usually find them in cheap vitamins.</p>
<p>My vent—self employed–high deductible insurance plan. Bottom line…stay well. Went for yearly physical (no co-pay/visit covered under plan)–but not the $400 in lab fees for blood work!! Last year my Dr. wanted to test my vitamin D–$165 lab test! So no more of that for me! I just go for it and take vitamin D pill everyday—I think 300 cost about $10?
I used to have the same complaint with our vet regarding our golden retriever. ALWAYS X-RAY FIRST…and then do blood work if you don’t see anything on the x-ray—our old dog Jasmine was famous for eating non food related items…bras, underwear, socks, crayons (as my 4 year old at the time would say “rainbow poop”!) Her problems were NEVER blood related!</p>
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You can find a vitamin D test online for $65 or so, under $50 if you join LEF ([Vitamin</a> D, 25-Hydroxy Blood Test](<a href=“Vitamins and Supplements Rooted in Science - Life Extension”>Vitamins and Supplements Rooted in Science - Life Extension)). </p>
<p>Most blood tests are available outside the Dr.'s office for way cheaper than what you pay the doctor.</p>
<p>At the lab we frequent, if you pay when you have your lab work done, you get a 50% discount (can’t do this if you need to have insurance processed, as they’re never sure how much it will pay). Also have heard of doc’s offices who will give a break to patients who have no insurer or high deductible–all you can do is ask. A friend’s D has no insurance & the doc discounted her bill from $250 to $100, plus gave her A LOT of sample meds to help her out. Love that doc!</p>
<p>notrichenough,</p>
<p>Thank you for the link to LEF. I had never thought that this kind of service would be available. Sure beats paying for a doc visit and then the lab work too. </p>
<p>My kids make fun of me when I bring up tips I’ve learned here, but I am not ashamed to say “I LOVE College Confidential”!</p>
<p>This forum brings together an amazing resource of very well-informed people from all over the globe with so many areas of expertise and life experiences. I get a LOT of good info (& some very esoteric) here. I too LOVE CC, especially the parent cafe!</p>