B12 and folate up but ferritin down

[Mamabear52]

Does anyone know why when my B12 and folate levels have gone up my ferritin level has dropped? My doctor just marked all the results as normal without mentioning the drop in ferritin.

B12 went from 320ng/L to 785ng/L

Folate 6.6ug/L to 24 ug/L

Ferritin 66ug/l to 36ug/L

[Gambit62 Administrator]

are you taking any supplements at all?

folate very responsive to dietary intake so would expect that to vary considerably.

B12 tends to be less volatile but if you are using high dose supplements that can increase levels.

Looking at your profile 320ng/L relates to a test 2 years ago.

Ferritin is one measure of iron levels, so may or may not be a problem. Iron levels are affected by different factors than B12 and folate - though an absorption problem can affect all 3

[Mamabear52 in reply to Gambit62]

I take Cytoplan Methyl Factors which has raised the B12 and Folate but I don’t know why the ferritin would have gone down or if I need to take a ferritin supplement too.

[Gambit62 Administrator in reply to Mamabear52]

no such thing as a ferritin supplement

Ferritin is just one measure of iron status. If it is now below range (range will be dependent on menstral status) then there probably isn't a need to supplement. Check full iron status and consult GP before supplementing iron.

This forum isn't specifically about iron based anaemias - but is about an autoimmune condition that will lead to B12 deficiency and results in a specific type of anaemia in which red blood cells are larger and rounder than normal - but this is just an symptom of the underlying condition and B12 deficiency.

Iron deficiency is associated with a different type of anaemia in which red blood cells are smaller than normal.

PA can affect iron absorption as well as B12 absorption but this isn't necessarily the case

[Musicgirlie in reply to Gambit62]

Iron is a co-factor for B12 absorption along with folate and potassium, so if you are self-injecting with B12 and your iron stores have dropped (ferritin) it can be due to being used up along with the B12. If you don't already take an iron supplement you may want to start. You can check ferritin again next blood draw and see if the numbers are up. My iron stores dropped precipitously when I increased my B12 dose and what brought me back to life was a little bit of iron.

[Foggyme Administrator in reply to Musicgirlie]

Musicgirlie. Just a quick comment...Iron is not used up more quickly due to B12 injections (though levels can drop due to associated absorption problems).

Ferritin is only one part of the 'iron' story...a full iron panel is required to assess true iron status in the body.

Iron supplements should never be taken as a 'just in case' measure since supplementing with iron if there is no proven deficiency can result in iron overload - a very dangerous condition.

So...iron supplements should only be take if there is a proven iron deficiency, and then only under direct medical supervision (so ferritin level’s can be monitored, a full iron panel performed, and an appropriate maintenance dose identified, if necessary (many don't need this once an initial deficiency has been addressed and righted).

👍

[Gambit62 Administrator]

Mamabear52

Please consult a medical professional before supplementing with iron. Ideally your GP but at least a pharmacist. Ferritin is, as I said, just one measure of iron status. Its generally a good indicator but there have been some high profile cases where it has been taken as the only indicator and supplementation has resulted in iron toxicity.

Please remember that this forum isn't a substitute for good quality professional medical advice.