PV - Folic Acid and Vit D

[Hocus58]

Hi

Please excuse if this has been asked before, I’m sure it has but can’t find the post 😬

I have PV and had blood done at Dr recently and was told I needed to take folic acid and Vit D.

I take HU which has recently been reduced by 1 tablet a week and last bloods were HCT 38, Hb 13.4, WBC 7.6 and platelets 301.

Is anyone else taking these ? I am finding it difficult to get my head around the whole folate/iron scenario. Think I need an idiots guide to simplify things. I did phone my Haem who said ok to take. But just wondered if this would have any bearing on HCT and HB.

thanks

[hunter5582]

KISS version = Your body needs and adequate supply of Vit D and folate to be healthy regardless of having PV.

Vit D is critical for bone health. Vt D also plays a role in the reduction of inflammation as well as modulation of processes such as cell growth, neuromuscular and immune function, and glucose metabolism.

Folate is a B-Vitamin (B-9). Getting too little folate can result in megaloblastic anemia, , fatigue, trouble concentrating, irritability, headache, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, open sores on the tongue and inside the mouth as well as changes in the color of the skin, hair, or fingernails, cognitive impairment, dementia, depression, and peripheral neuropathy and possibly subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord.

Note that Vitamin B12 is needed for producing red blood cells. However, Vit B12 deficiency can also cause very significant adverse effects.

I have measured deficiencies in Vit D, Vit B12/folate, and magnesium despite a healthy diet. Note I also have Neurofibromatosis Type 1 and GERD/take Nexium. I take supplements for all of the listed deficiencies as directed by my Integrative Medicine doc. My MPN care team is aware of all of the supplements and supports their use. We titrated the dose based on follow-up blood work.

Hope that answers the question.

[socrates_8 in reply to hunter5582]

Brilliant summary as is your usual fare Steve...

Cheers

Steve

(Sydney)

[Hocus58 in reply to hunter5582]

Thanks Hunter great explanation as usual and simple enough for me to understand 👍

[Mirabellegage]

It’s recommended that every person in the Uk supplements for Vitamin D outside of the summer months. I do Vit D, Vit B’s and Magnesium daily.