Low Serum Folate

[Kari1961]

After taking a B12 supplement for only one month, my B12 levels are now normal. Which is good.

All other blood levels are also within 'normal' range. HCT 0.38, white cell and platelets normal. Liver and kidneys are fine.

Now it appears I have low Serum Folate - it's currently at 3.6, and I have to pick up a prescription for Folic Acid today - I guess it's the reason why I'm feeling so tired and can barely stay awake after I finish work.

I'm Jak2+ PV and take Hydroxycarbamide.

I consider that I eat a good, healthy, balanced diet - plenty of veg, fruit, nuts and very rarely eat processed food. I keep myself well hydrated and drink 2 litres+ of water daily.

But obviously I'm failing somewhere as I can't get the balance right. I'm always deficient in something these days - Does anyone else find this to be the same?

Kari. 😪 🥱

[MPort]

Hi Kari I looked up folic acid deficiency on NHS and learned that it may be due to having too large red blood cells. THis shows up on full blood test results but I haven't knowledge to say where. Since many MPN patients feel fatigued this may be part of the reasons. I too have .38 HCT from choice as if it goes higher it spins up to 42 and I need a venesection. But this .38 is low so this means you have less oxygen going around. This may also lead to fatigue until you get used to it. I also read that when folic acid is low injections can rebalance levels efficiently and then tablets keep up the good work. It would be good to hear how you get on.

[Kari1961 in reply to MPort]

Thank you - That figures. I believe the size of the red blood cells are shown in the MCV (Mean Corpus Volume) and MCH (Mean Corpus Haemoglobin). Both those levels are 'abnormal' high. It's so difficult to keep everything balanced. I've got 2 months of Folic acid - one a day to take. So fingers crossed they work.

Thanks again. Kari

[hunter5582]

You are not necessarily doing anything wrong. There are a number of reasons why we may not get all the nutrition we need from food, even with a heathy diet.

Of some note, some docs will routinelt recommend folic acid for people on HU.

"...prophylactic folic acid supplementation is the recommended intervention to assist with macrocytosis."

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK5...

As always, best to check with your MPN Specialist regarding any supplements you take.

All the best.

[Kari1961 in reply to hunter5582]

Thanks Hunter, that's reassuring.

[Wyebird]

Yes I take magnesium and vit d also b12. I did also take chia seeds on my cereal but my body is high in ferritin so I’ve had to stop even though I’m anaemic . I also take an eye supplement which is also high in Verity’s vitamins. Always tell your hearing what you want to take.Hydroxicarbomide doesn’t discriminate what it lowers.

[Wyebird]

I must add I’m ET so obviously things are different fir us. Good luck