Folic Acid Deficiency

[Atheo82]

Hello all,

I have always suffered with anxiety and heart palpitations. Recently, they became worse and I went to the GP who sent me for a blood test. The blood test showed that I have folic acid deficiency(<2.0).

I've been taking 5mg folic acid for two months (I have two months left to go) and my palpitations have stopped.

I know it sound silly but i have always been so aware of my heartbeat that it feels strange not to be aware of it.

I think I'm looking for reassurance from someone who maybe experienced this too.

[Looolooo]

Very high doses of EPA fish oil sorted out my pretty bad anxiety from my 40s onwards. Like you, I had been aware of my heartbeat for near on 20 years. Strange when the anxiety goes and you feel it no longer.! Would never be without my fish oil now. Meds from doctor were a sticking plaster. Fish oil is the best, for me anyway.

[Atheo82 in reply to Looolooo]

I will definitely give the fish oil a try, thank you.

I'm beginning to wonder whether my low folic acid levels over the years were the source of my palpitations, which in turn produced anxiety in me since I would worry that something was wrong with my heart. This would then drive me to have a panic attack and my heart to race.

I wonder if anyone has had a similar experience as now I’m thinking ‘why can’t I feel my heart beat’ (because I’m so use to feeling it) which is also making me anxious.

It’s a vicious cycle.

[hunter5582]

Glad to hear that this was detected. Sounds like you have a smart GP. Folic acid deficiency is known to cause palpitations. It can also cause psychological problems including anxiety. The complex of B-vitamins are very important for a variety of bodily functions, including neurological function. I also take a Vit B complex supplement due to measured Vit B deficiencies.

Note that it is important to check for interactions between supplements and medications. If something is biologically active enough to help you, it can also hurt you and interact with things. It is important to let your entire care team know everything you are taking. You can also check yourself with resources like this. reference.medscape.com/drug... Here is one example of the relevent potential intreractions.

Minor - aspirin + folic acid aspirin decreases levels of folic acid by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.

Monitor Closely - fish oil + aspirin - Use Caution/Monitor. Comment: Patients taking fish oil and an anticoagulant or other drug affecting coagulation should be monitored periodically due to potential increased risk of bleeding.

Wishing you all the best.

[Atheo82 in reply to hunter5582]

Thank you so much, this is really helpful 😊