Pins and needles-Folate deficiency

[Smithy2310]

Hi all I have had pins and needles in my hands and occasionally in my feet when I went to the docs to have a blood test my folic acid was 3.8 just below the safe levels. I have been taking folic acid now for 1 week and have noticed no difference if anything symptoms seem slightly worse. How long should it take for me to notice a difference? It is really stressing me out thinking something else maybe wrong. My GP is very blasé

[Jillyb23]

Hi Smithy,I've been reading about people who have a genetic inability to absorb Folate. Maybe this is happening for you? Maybe you should try taking Folinic acid instead, you may have much better results.

[Clarry1234]

You could also increase your uptake of leafy greens like spinach and kale. Eat them with every meal but also raw in smoothies and salads. Naturally occurring folate is easier to absorb than the synthetic form folic acid. Also I was told that folate is one of those things you have to keep on having as I think you lose it quick, like in 2 weeks. I was eating a lot of spinach and had my folate checked and it was 19, then I slacked off on eating it and 2 months later it was 5!