low folic acid

[Eriksendi]

I am 5 months post chemo and my GP says I now have low folic acid levels. Has anyone else experienced this? Is it ok to take supplements?

[Lily-Anne]

Has your GP not prescribed any? Folic acid is in lots of foods and is also added to bread. It may be better to tweak your diet rather than get on the supplements cycle as it’s harder to track

LA xx

[Eriksendi in reply to Lily-Anne]

The GP rang and advised the rest of my bloods ok but folic acid low and suggested I bought supplements. I have now got some today but wondered if it's normal to have this. Wondered if it's due to absorption problems with my stoma or chemo or something else. I'm back for a 3 month check in about 4 weeks so guess I'll check with them and see how the bloods are then. Thank you for replying Lily-Anne - hope you are enjoying the lovely sunshine x x

[kat98116]

Towards the end of my chemo I just couldn't get my blood to cooperate - low platelets mostly. They finally did a check of my vitamin B 12 and folic acid and I was critically low in both. I took a supplement (get the methy form of folate - under the tongue for best absorption) and within a couple of weeks my levels were up, and I was also feeling better. I don't think it's that "common" because I don't think most oncs test for it. I bet more of us are deficient but don't know it. I'm glad mine did, because it was that or a bone marrow biopsy! Yikes!

Best, Kathy in Seattle

[Jude136]

Yes. I had a blood test at GP’s for something else, but she did full test. She said my folic acid was non existent and very low in vitamin D. She prescribed tablets for both and suggested I continue to take vit D . Hopes this helps.

[Eriksendi in reply to Jude136]

Thank you. I take Vitamin D on recommendation from my CNS and my full blood test was done due to continuing neuropathy problems. This was when low folic acid was found. I have bought supplement on my GP's recommendation but think I will talk to my oncologist at my next check. Thank you x x

[ArctoLindy]

I'm on this group because of my sister but just wanted to say that I also have low folate levels and low vitamin D - my GP prescribes the supplements for me along with my other medications.

[bamboo89]

Your folic acid might have been low to start with , pre treatment, hard to know, but certainly, depleted folic acid and B12 are common after many forms of chemotherapy.

[Eriksendi in reply to bamboo89]

Thank you - makes me worry a little less!!

[Lizchips]

I take lots of supplements since 2014, couldn't during chemo but ok after. My folic acid is good but I take D3, 5000 a day, turmeric and cucurmin, co Q10 400, Cinnimon to keep sugars lower. Daily vitamin and vit C, 1000 to 3000. Varying the C. I also during tons of teas. I really believe this along with my original treatment has kept me clear.❤❤❤Liz