Advice B vitamins

[Tanzanite55]

Hi everyone, I have just finished my 6 loading doses of B12 injections. I gather I should have taken Folic Acid once started with them but I didn't realise at the time. I have in the cupboard some Vitamin B tablets and I wonder of you could advise whether they are suitable to take. Each tablet contains the following

B1 100mg B2 100mg B3 100mg B6 100mg B12 100mcg Pantothenic Acid 100mg Folic Acid 400mcg D Biotin 100mcg PABA 100mg Choline 100mg Inositol 100mg

My last blood test result for Folate was 5.6ug/L (5.4-24) 05/04/2018

Thank you in advance for your advice. Folate was not mentioned when injections were finally agreed to by phone consultation. I got my own intrinsic factor test done so Dr consulted with partners who consulted with haematologist who said I should "give injections a try to see if they made any difference".

By the way, they have made a big difference. It is the first time in a few years that I have any energy . I wouldn't say I am completely back to normal but getting there.

[clivealive Forum Support]

Hi Tanzanite55

Do you have any idea what your Folate level was/is?

Replacing B12 will lead to a huge increase in the production of blood cells and platelets (which occurs in the bone marrow) and can lead to rapid depletion of folate and iron stores

Personally I have taken 1 - Folic Acid 400mcg tablet every day for more years than I can remember. We can also source Folate naturally by eating plenty of leafy green vegetables - sprouts, broccoli, asparagus, spinach, peas, beans etc and many breakfast cereals are now fortified with folic acid.

It's good to read that you are feeling an improvement after the injections because as you probably know your Hashimoto's is just one thing that puts you at risk of developing a Vitamin B12 deficiency so you may need "maintenance" doses long term. Has you doctor indicated any further treatment?

I am not a medically trained person but I've had Pernicious Anemia (a form of B12 deficiency) for more than 46 years.

I wish you well.

[Hidden in reply to clivealive]

Clivealive,Wish i had known sooner that having B12 injections depletes folate n iron its only since last Sept i have been taking ferrous sulphate but only recently last couple months also taking folic acid i did take folate a long while ago for a bit but stopped as my diet got a lot better. Last few months not been so good also my appetite is not good bad taste to a lot of foods hopefully will get back on track again something is missing im sure ill sort it..

[Tanzanite55 in reply to clivealive]

Hi Clivealive, my last blood test result for Folate was 5.6ug/L (5.4-24) 05/04/2018

I read somewhere on here that you should take a good B complex including folate. I wondered if the ones I have would fit the bill or at least if there is anything against taking them.

I have only had a voicemail from my Dr to tell me to start the injections. My next one is in 3 months with a blood test just before the injection. I may have completed house sale by then so will likely be with a new surgery. Hopefully will have injections for life.

Many thanks.

[Tanzanite55 in reply to clivealive]

So the vitamin tablets I have contain the 400mcg of Folate. Is it OK to be taking the other B vitamins that they contain? or would you advise against. Obviously I realise you are not medically trained but does anything shout out to you as not something you would take? Thanks in advance.

[clivealive Forum Support in reply to Tanzanite55]

I suggest you sit down and look at strength and the RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) of each of the supplements which should be printed on the outer carton. It's doubtful that any of them will be higher than the RDA but it will put your mind at rest about "overdosing". Then look at any foods that have been fortified with vitamins listed on the packets and add them together.

As a diabetic I remember doing this for carbohydrate levels in everything I ate or drank to determine my sugar intake.

You can't get too much from foods that naturally contain folate which I listed in my previous reply.

[Janeylou69]

Hi tanzanite55 how many injections did it take before you felt any better or any energy coz I’ve had three loading injections and don’t seem to feel no better ,I’ve still got another three to go and then one injection every three months ,it’s just so depressing and I’m not in a good place at the moment with my health ,thanks xx

[Tanzanite55 in reply to Janeylou69]

Hi Janeylou69, TBH I felt better each time the next day but pulled back a bit now that I have had all six. I can't imagine it will last for 3 months but I shouldn't pre-judge. All that I can say is although I am the best I have been for a long while, I am still not my old self. I have done some physical work in the garden this week but wish I could do more. One thing I have noticed is that I can feel my toes for the first time in years, lol but nails shocking. Odd ones gone thick and parting from one finger and one big toe. I keep them hidden. I hope you feel better soon and good luck xxx

[Janeylou69]

Thanks tanzanite thanks for your reply ,I’m hoping I will see some results after all 6 injections ,what was your lowest b12 blood test result ,I just get very tired very quickly and I can’t do much at all Thankyou tanzanite I hope you feel better soon too and I wish you all the best xxx

[Tiredo]

Those B vitamins are mega doses. Just a quarter tablet might be enough.

[Paulaw22]

I cannot take B12 tablets at all even with my injections. I don’t think they advise taking them with PA but you can if your are just deficient. I cannot digest b12 or folic acid due to my lacking any intrinsic factor