b12 assimilation

Hi Shelley:

I have been anemic since I was apprx 13 yrs old -32 yrs now. Lately, I have been doing research on the subject. Seems that my anemia is caused from poor vitamin b12 assimilation. Could you please explain why some people do not assimilate the vitamin? Three months ago I went to a Chinese Medicine Practioner, he told me that my kidneys were weak...well I felt fine, couldn't see how my kidneys were in such bad condition as was discribed to me. He gave some herbs -but to this day I haven't taken them faithfully...(I hate taking pills of any kind). However, after doing more research I discovered that the spleen is responsible for making red blood cells. Since 13 yrs of age, I have been told by doctors that my red blood count was below normal. At one point in college my hemoglobin was down to 5.6. I managed to bring my count up to 11.0-something, and at the time I remember my doctor telling not to stop taking the iron suppliments b/c although my blood registered a good level, the iron must be present in my bone marrow. (From time to time, I think about what he told me and wonder if my anemia is the precurser for all my other ailments). Now, with diet alone, I average around 9.0-something. Could I have an inherited poor-working spleen? Last question, how does one cleanse the spleen?

BTW - I have now committed to taking my liquid multivitamins, which has apprx. 3,000% of daily b12 values, and of corse iron. I figure I need to catch up, but don't want to overdose.

Thanks for your feedback.