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Query B12 and Folic acid amounts to take.

Irishonly profile image
5 Replies

To cut a long story short. I am 58 and I have been suffering from depression and am on sertraline. But, my head is sorted with a combination of tablets and a big improvement on life. However, I am so tired. I can sleep for 10+ hours and still feel tired. Very low energy levels. Bloods taken and ferritin was low so I was prescribed tablets for a month, and B12 showed 370. Having done lots of research, I have continually asked if I could trial B12 injections but met a brick wall. The last conversation I had with the doctor, I said I didn't know whether I was tired because I was depressed, or depressed because I was tired. So he upped my prescription to 150mg Sertraline. After looking on here, I have ordered the B12 from Germany which I am about to start injecting. (What have I got to lose?) On further reading I see that I should also take B9 folate tablets. So, apart from any comments/advice anyone may have, please could someone advise what loading dose I should use for the B12, and what daily B9 mcg you would advise.

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Irishonly
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Irishonly profile image
Irishonly

Just to add, I have some vitiligo on my arms, and irritable bowel syndrome for which I take daily doses of immodium.

Irishonly profile image
Irishonly

Yes I have, and 3 doctors from the practice have refused to consider it, and the only private test that I have found costs £150 which I refuse to pay. My thoughts are it is cheaper and non harmful to try the B12 because it will either help or it won't.

wedgewood profile image
wedgewood

Yes you cannot do any harm with B12 - you can’t overdose . The NHS give 6 loading shots over 2 weeks ( in Gloucestershire only 5) They should give them till symptoms stop improving if you have neurological symptoms . Then they give you one every 3 months , or 2 if you have the neurological symptoms. Every 3 months was inadequate for me , so after experimentation I have settled on once a week . You have to find what is best for you by trial and error . Best to take your folate (B9) in the form of vegs ( green leafy ones or peas ). If you can’t manage that , take the B9 as folic acid in a tablet . B9 is much much easier to absorb than B12 , so a tablet is fine . I have seen the B12 ampoules for sale on the German online pharmacies, that offer them with folic acid . But I would rather get my B9 separately . I wish you all the very best .

ButterflyActive profile image
ButterflyActive

I think as far as I have been researching b12/PA that you must get your first b12 shot at a GP surgery or a walk in clinic that does b12 shots incase you get a allergic reaction. God forbid you would get one while on your own if you went ahead?

Irishonly profile image
Irishonly

Two shots so far, had a bit of trouble with the ampoules until I googled it, so now sorted.

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