I'm now totally confused about folate/folic acid/B12 combination.

I was low in B12 (198 from memory) Had all the symptoms. GP uninterested so started to self inject. Great improvement.

I thought I needed iron and folic acid to make the most of the B12, so I started taking 1 X folic acid per day. I have 1x5 ml of a liquid iron (bought otc) every other day. Sometimes I forget to take it for a couple of days.

Now read on another thread here that it could be dangerous to take folate with low B12, though mine must be higher now due to si.

I've also got thyroid problems ( goitre) but again, no drs interested. I think I have a pattern of auto immune problems as I've lots of allergic reactions to foods and cannot tolerate anything with gluten.

Sorry--- this might be too much information.

Am I doing the right thing with 1x folic acid per day, 1 X 5ml iron every 2/3 days plays B12 injection which is now down to 1 a week ?

Thanks in advance for any info. I'm just confused!

[fbirder]

It's not a good idea to supplement with folic acid if your B12 is low. But, as you've been injecting, it's safe to say that yours isn't low, so folic acid (400 to 1000 ug a day) should be fine.

Iron isn't needed to make the most of B12 once the initial burst of red cell formation is finished and too much can be as bad as not enough. So it's really a good idea to only supplement if it's known to be a problem.

[123harry]

liquid iron is very gentle, you should ask to have your iron stores checked although you would probably know if you were very iron deficient as symptoms are palpitations breathlessness difficulty swallowing and fatigue and they don't go away without treatment

[Hidden]

Thank you fbirder and 123harry for your replies. I was very sleep deprived when I posted this morning and had gone into a bit if a panic, thinking I'd done something wrong. You've both been reassuring and as I didn't start the folic acid until I'd done a few injections, I don't think I've gone any harm.

Thanks again for the reassurance.

[Ryaan]

Hi

Hope you're feeling better.

Simple answer is it's ok to take Folic acid if you're injecting once a week with B12.

I'm new here but have been reading a lot of posts and there's a lot of of well experienced and helpfull people who give you good advice.

Hope you feel better soon.

Always get advice from your doctor, they will give you iron supplements if needed according to your blood results.

Don't worry, it takes a good few weeks to slowly see improvement in your symptomns. I'm currently taking b12 injections once a week and take 400 ug Folic acid once daily.

I've been doing this for the last 6-8 weeks and have noticed improvement. I'm positive I'll see more improvement in the future.

Hope this helps and reassures you.

[misslissa]

Would you mind advising me too? I've just read the same post I think and now worried. These were my results a month or so ago. B12 has been as low as 234, folate 6. I was advised somewhere to take the 5mg folate for 3 months alongside b12 5000mcg.

Ferritin 57ug/l (20-250)

B12 571ng/l (190-900) (supplementing and up from 234)

Folate 8ug/l (2-19)

[fbirder in reply to misslissa]

Those results look OK. Do/did you have any symptoms that suggest problems with B12 and/or folate?

[Ryaan in reply to misslissa]

Hi misslissa

Sorry for the late reply. no doctor but your B12 levels are not very low, your results seem to be ok unless you're experiencing symptoms of low B12 despite the results.

What are you worried about ?

Are you experiencing any symptoms ?

In any case there's nothing to be worried about. There's no harm in taking B12 and Folate supplements for 3 months and see if you notice any difference.

You can take them for 3 months and try getting another blood test to see if your B12 levels and folate have increased,

It's hard even trying to get a blood test from your doc. If your doc don't agree to a blood test try going private. It will be well worth it. You need to check your B12 and Folate levels after 3 months of supplementing.

Hope this helps and hope your symptoms improve or totally disappear with the supplements.

No need to worry, you have to try it to see if it works for you.