Intrinsic factor test

[Gempep]

Hi everyone,

I've had my results back

Serum b12 - 313 (190-900)

Folate 2.1 (3-17)

Doctors prescribed me 5mg folic acid for life.

I asked for the intrinsic factor test (as I'm sure it's my b12d) which I am booked in fit on 28th Nov.

Question... will me taking the folic acid before I have the test affect it?

Or should I start the folic acid straight away like the doctor told me to?

I don't want to jeopardise the intrinsic test.

Any info helpful,

Thank you

[Gambit62 Administrator]

not entirely sure why the GP has prescribed 5mg folate for life - 5mg a day for a period of 3-4 months is the recommended dosage for correcting macrocytic anaemia caused by folate deficiency but its a huge dose to be taking after that.

IFA is the test for PA as a specific cause of B12 deficiency. folate won't affect the test for IFA - B12 (and biotin I think) can but folate won't.

Its unlikely if you have an absorption problem with folate that you won't eventually have a problem with B12.

This is a link to the BCSH guidelines on diagnosis and treatment of cobalamin and folate deficiencies if you want to read up on things and talk further with your GP. Your GP can access this through the BNF

onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi...

[Gempep]

Thanks Gambit62,

Have I requested the wrong test? Should I have asked for the MMA one?

I have read the guideline you posted yet it seems that the doctor isn't interested in any of my symptoms at all. I think he honestly is just agreeing to these tests to prove himself right in his thoughts my b12 is ok.

I've just read so much about the scenario if I ignore the b12d and the fact it can cause lasting damage as you will know yourself. He seems to think all of my symptoms are just that of a folate deficiency. I'm not sure why I'm on them for life either. That wasn't explained. Maybe it could be to do with my epilepsy meds as carbamazepine can affect folate and b12. I think I'm going to have to print off some of the guidelines and book in with a different doctor. Is there anything you advise I ask for? Thank you so much once again

[Gempep]

Oh also he said my MCV was 103 so he knows I'm not deficient in iron.. I think he makes things up as I'm sure feritin is the test for iron