Folate Deficiency

[Galaxy2]

Hi Everyone

I've just joined, so glad I found this group, wish I'd found it years ago. Great to find a place where everyone can be so open.

I have a question and would be so grateful if anyone has experienced this could give any insight, I have a folate deficiency at the moment and have been prescribed folic acid tablets. I however have a history of not absorbing supplements, iron for one and have had quite a few iron infusions as a result. My diet is rich in folate so I'm really surprised that is what I'm low in, I'm just worried if I will be able to absorb the folic acid, as I don't believe there is an alternative in terms of injection/infusion. I've been quite ill as as result recently so am really hoping this will help. Has anyone had this experience?

I do follow a strict GF diet but have very rarely accidently eaten gluten and each time this seems to really cause damage.

Thanks All

[mattpobrien4]

Hi! It's great to hear that you've found this group and hope it can provide the support you need.

Regarding your question about folic acid absorption, it's not uncommon for people to have difficulty absorbing certain supplements, including folic acid. However, there are some factors that can affect absorption, such as your digestive function and other medical conditions. Additionally, some people with a history of iron deficiency may also have a genetic condition that affects their ability to absorb folic acid.

If you are concerned about the absorption of your folic acid supplement, you can talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian. They may be able to suggest alternative forms of folic acid, such as L-methyl folate, which may be better absorbed by your body. They may also recommend additional tests to determine the underlying cause of your folate deficiency and any other nutrient deficiencies you may have.

In terms of your gluten-free diet, it's important to be as strict as possible to minimize the risk of accidental gluten exposure, which can cause damage to your digestive system and potentially affect your nutrient absorption. If you do have an accidental exposure, it may be helpful to take steps to support your digestive function and minimize any negative effects.

I hope this information is helpful, and I wish you all the best in managing your health and folate deficiency.

[Galaxy2 in reply to mattpobrien4]

thanks so much for your reply, all really helpful

[angelias]

Hi Jenny14,

Welcome to this group!

I’m afraid I don’t know much on malabsorption of folate, but I know that vitamin C helps absorbing folate. I guess you’re already probably drinking some orange juice when taking your supplements?

[Galaxy2 in reply to angelias]

thanks so much for your reply, yes and I take a vitamin C supplement too.

[Researchfan]

Hi Jenny14 and welcome to gluten-free guerillas! There’s some nice and knowledgeable members on here so hope you find it helpful.

Definitely try a methyl folate supplement if you can, which are better absorbed and don’t need converting the same in the body like folic acid. Folic acid is the artificial version of folate and requires processing by the body to be of use.

If you have an otherwise good diet including meats, eggs, and green vegetables/peas, beans, berries and citrus fruit - better to eat the fruit and avoid the juice in terms of metabolic health which is also linked to folate/ methylation pathways in the body. Avoid spinach which is high in oxalates and binds to iron to prevent absorption though. High calcium foods should also not be taken at same time to maximise absorption.

Certain medications used in autoimmune conditions can deplete folate. Perhaps discuss that with your doctor.

I have low folate and iron too. I recently read that drinking tea can be a source of folate. Green tea and black tea. Same with coffee and cocoa (from beans) but to a lesser extent. But avoid at same time as taking iron because of the tannins. Especially if you include milk (or dairy free milk alternatives with calcium added because the calcium will affect iron absorption).

Hope that’s helpful 🙂 .

[Galaxy2 in reply to Researchfan]

Thank so much, thats really helpful. I do take quite a lot of medication so am taking my folic acid at a different time of day and avoiding my calcium tablets anytime near then too. I think I eat a really healthy diet with lots of folate rich foods so interesting that it may be partly my medication affecting absorption. I'm not sure what has happened recently to make my levels drop so much but hoping eventually they will go in the right direction