Possible B12/folate deficiency

[RhiannonT]

Hi everyone.

I was advised by another user to post my symptoms/story here. On two separate occasions this year I've had low levels of folic acid in my blood. It's not revealed I'm anemic though, but I have all the symptoms of B12/Folate deficiency anemia. My question is could it be possible to still have anemia? I'm going through a lot of gynaecology and gastroenterology issues atm too. And am under the care of a haematologist for high white blood cells. I've taken folic acid tablets for 3 months, then had bloods re done at the start of the year and my folic levels were back to normal then they dropped again. About to finish another 3 month course. I'm female, 24 btw. Any advice appreciated, thank you.

[txstout]

I have B-12 and Folate deficiency as well. I also have MTHFR, which is from a genetic mutation that seems to be quite common. I have learned that people with this should not ingest Folic Acid that is found in foods or pill form. My GP has me take L-Methyl Folate. It is a more pure form of Folate. My levels of Folate are now constantly where they should be. Perhaps you can discuss this with your doctor.

[RhiannonT in reply to txstout]

Thank you for your help/advice. I'll definitely discuss this with my GP.

[fbirder in reply to txstout]

Yes, mutations to the MTHFR gene are very common. Indeed, less than four people in a thousand do not have at least one mutation. There is only one mutation that has been shown to have adverse effects, homozygous for C677T. People with that mutation may benefit from methylfolate.

The genetic testing company 23andMe said this about MTHFR...

Our Take on The MTHFR Gene," is a 23andMe blog posting (January 5, 2017), a meta-analysis finding that the past two decades of scientific evidence as it relates to specific MTHFR-influenced health conditions to be inconclusive or conflicting, with two exceptions, 1. women with two copies of C677T variant, 2. a very rare variant that may cause homocystinuria. Their takeaway, "Based on the existing data, scientists at 23andMe have concluded that people should not interpret their genotypes at the common MTHFR variants as having an effect on their health."

[fbirder]

If you had macrocytic anaemia it should have shown up in a blood screen. Your Mean Cell Volume should have been high.

Unless you also were iron deficient as that causes small blood cells. A mix of large cells from folate deficiency and small cells from iron deficiency can result in an average that is normal.

Do you know if they looked at the red cell distribution width (RDW) high is high in such a situation?