Awaiting my 1st order of B12, should I take Folate (and other vitamins) and why?

[_Rose]

Hello All at HealthUnlocked,

As I await my 1st order of B12 (finally), I think someone here recommended taking Folate with B12, I have a few questions if anyone kind enough would respond (couldn't find complete answers online).

• Is Folate the same as Folic Acid?

• Why need to take it with B12?

• Would taking something like liquid Feroglobin suffice?

• Do you always need to take the two together or can you stop the Folate?

I know it may take some time and I may feel worse for a while before feeling better, but I am so looking forward to hopefully feeling 'normal' again and getting on with my life.

Any responses greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

_Rose

[fbirder]

Folic acid is a form of folate. There are many different types of folate. They are all based on folic acid.

Having B12 supplements doesn’t mean that you need to take folate supplements. There is no increased requirement. But some causes of a B12 deficiency can also affect the absorption of folate from foods. So taking a supplement of about 400 mcg a day of folic acid cannot harm and might help.

It is recommended that women of childbearing potential should take 400 mcg of folic acid a day, regardless.

[_Rose in reply to fbirder]

Thank you for reply.

[FlipperTD]

Folate/folic acid is necessary for B12 to function biologically.

It's a good idea to make sure you have adequate folate in addition to B12. Folate isn't stored in the body, unlike B12, so regular intake is important.

It's widely available in a range of foods. Any excess will be excreted anyway.

Red cell folate is a more useful measure of folate status than serum folate, although it's not offered by all labs.

I hope this helps.

[_Rose in reply to FlipperTD]

Very helpful, thank you.