B12 and Folate results

[lizlee]

I was advised to contact your site , I am Lizlee I have Hashimotos Thyroiditis and paid for private Tests including B12 , Folate and iron the results after 3 blood tests because my Doctor would not accept the private results ,they were tested twice more for B12 and Folate

Serum folate 1.5 ug/l ( 3.9 - 20ug/l)

B12 244ngl (223 - 1132)

neutrophil count 10.1 x10*9/L

monocyte count 1x10 *9/L (0. 8x10*9/L)

I was given Folate 5 mg to be taken once daily and Ferrous Fumarate 305mg once daily my B12 I was told was fine , Please advise . Thank You

[JMN2017]

Hi lizlee

Welcome to this PA site. I have to say, I'm reluctant to comment because I don't feel I've got the knowlege but I do agree your Folate is very low and probably responsible for many of your symptoms.

Hypothyroidism, Folate deficiency and B12 deficiency symptoms and, perhaps, other causes have a considerable overlap re symptoms.

I think your B12 level is low but to what point regarding causing symptoms, it will be difficult to tell. Also, if one is deficient in both B12 AND Folate, it would be more usual to treat the B12 deficiency slightly sooner than the Folate, only because a decent Folate level can mask symptoms of B12 deficiency. However, as your Folate is so low, it's probably prudent to get your Folate level up as quickly as possible and I'm sure you'll feel considerable benefit from that alone.

Do you have any idea as to why your Folate has got so low? Could it be due to not eating green veg, perhaps? B12 is found in meat, dairy and eggs so, again, is there any obvious cause for low levels?

Regarding your B12 level, you will likely find it difficult to get your GP to consider your B12 level to be of any significance. Unfortunately, this is the case for most of us on here. Doctors just don't seem to recognise the symptoms when it stares them in the face, which is why I'm hoping you will feel some improvement with increasing your Folate level.

As this is a UK site and, predominantly UK posters, most will be tucked up in bed just now but I would expect that you will get more response tomorrow, from more experienced folks than myself.

Anyway, hang in there. There is so much expertise, knowledge and experience here so I'm sure you'll get some good advice. In the meantime, it might be useful if you would give more details regarding current symptoms.

JMN

[lizlee in reply to JMN2017]

Thank you JMN , No idea why folate is low I do eat red meat ,eggs and fish maybe I should make sure I get more green veg though I do eat plenty of veg in stews ,I will increase my greens , I wish you a Good night .

[LadyBarb]

A bit of a WOW! re you low levels! As it's late here (I'm an unwilling 'night owl'), can I refer you to SeasideSusie's many Posts on B12, folate, etc. Just put SeasideSusie in the 'Search' and you'll find a whole load of very valuable information in her Posts/Answers to similar questions!

Happy reading! I hope you improve soon and that SeasideSusie sees your post today!

Bee good to you! B xx

[lizlee in reply to LadyBarb]

Thank you LadyBarb, Seaside Susie has been very helpful , I was advised to put the results of my B12 and Folate on the PAS , My Doctor said my B12 was within range and D3 was also in range I upped my input of B12 and D3 as soon as I had the final blood tests which only started this week due to a phone call from my surgery saying I needed further tests when I went they said it was a mistake, on Saturday a letter arrived to say would I contact the surgery to discuss my results ,I saw the Doctor on the 8th and she told what I have written here, I will phone them later on this morning no doubt I will be told to ignore the letter , It's very confusing muddling through ,I will see what they want today.