Can you take too much of Folic Acid ?... - Pernicious Anaemi...

Pernicious Anaemia Society

32,669 members24,064 posts

Can you take too much of Folic Acid ? (Injecting B12)

Ryaan profile image
22 Replies

I inject B12 every 2 weeks.

I was low on Folate and had horrible shortness of breath. Doctor prescribed 3 months worth of 5mg Folic Acid. I took it and shortness of breath Improved quite a bit after about 20 days. I continued the Folic Acid for 3 months and got a repeat for another 3 months (5mg Folic Acid)

I finished that and requested for a prescription to continue with 5mg.

In my diet I hardly eat any greens at all like broccoli, peas etc.

In my last blood test in Oct 2018 my Serum Folate was on 17.1 with a range of 3.10-20.00.

So I’m wondering if I should still be taking the 5mg Folic Acid or ask my GP for a blood test to check my levels again.

But what I really wanted to know is Can too much Folic Acid cause the same symptoms as too little ?

(Injecting B12 once every 2 weeks)

I’m adding a photo of my blood results from October 2018. My Iron levels are on 94 with a range of 25-380. Is it on the low side and could it be the cause of shortness of breath or is that an ok level ? (Confused)

.Thanks everyone.

Admin Note: image with results deleted to protect personal information. Poster will redact and re-post, in due course.

Written by
Ryaan profile image
Ryaan
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
22 Replies
Foggyme profile image
FoggymeAdministrator

Ryaan. The image containing your results also displays personal information (name, address, date of birth etc.). I’ve delete the image to protect you from identity theft.

You can either redact your personal information and re-post the image or input the results as text, in your post.

👍

Ryaan profile image
Ryaan in reply toFoggyme

Oh.....silly me, Thankyou.

clivealive profile image
clivealiveForum Support

Hi Ryaan I would think that with Folate levels of 17.1 you needn't be supplementing at such a high dosage.

However in view of the fact that you don't eat much in the way of vegetables you will probably be OK by taking 400mcg of folic acid per day which can be bought cheaply over the counter at your local pharmacy or supermarket.

I am not medically trained and wish you well

Ryaan profile image
Ryaan in reply toclivealive

Do you think it could be the Iron as it’s on 94 with a range of 25 - 380.

Causing shortness of breath.

clivealive profile image
clivealiveForum Support in reply toRyaan

It may well do so perhaps it would be a good idea to include in your daily diet some of the best plant and fruit sources of iron, which are:

Beans and lentils.

Tofu.

Baked potatoes.

Cashews.

Dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach.

Fortified breakfast cereals.

Whole-grain and enriched breads

Pumpkin seeds.

Dried fruits – apricots, raisins and prunes.

Please remember I am not medically trained but I hope this helps

Ryaan profile image
Ryaan in reply toclivealive

Great help, Thanks Clive.

Dates ?

pvanderaa profile image
pvanderaa

Which B12 are you injecting? Cyano or hydroxo?

You should never go more than 5 mg of folic acid per day.

It is a balance between B12 and folic acid. Get the B12 level sorted first and then adjust the folic acid. As you adjust, leave the dosage the same for 2 weeks before changing.

Are you also taking a daily multivitamin? This is for metals and minerals needed for metabolism.

Ryaan profile image
Ryaan in reply topvanderaa

It’s Hydroxo, the B12 levels are fine as I’ve been injecting every 2 weeks for a long time.

I don’t take any multivitamin except for Vitamin D.

I’m not sure if my iron levels are adequate being on 94.

Range is 25-380.

fbirder profile image
fbirder in reply toRyaan

Iron at 94 should be OK. Try eating more foods with readily available iron - especially meat. Things like spinach contain iron, but it's not easily available for absorption.

You shouldn't need a multivitamin.

Follow Gambit62's advice and try 400 mcg a day of folic acid. Get it from the supermarket - just as good as elsewhere and a lot cheaper.

Ryaan profile image
Ryaan in reply tofbirder

Can’t find Gambit62 ?

fbirder profile image
fbirder in reply toRyaan

Ooops! clivealive

You an take folic acid only one day/week now, that's enough

Ryaan profile image
Ryaan in reply to

Good point....Gold star for you.

⭐️

in reply toRyaan

I know it because I have g6pd defiency and I use folic acid for years. When your goloc acid levels are good you take 5mcg 1 day/week for maintenance

Ryaan profile image
Ryaan in reply to

5mcg is too low.

1000mcg is 1mg

500mcg seems about right as UK daily recommendation is 400mcg.

5mg = 5000mcg.

fbirder profile image
fbirder in reply to

Folate is unlike B12 in that it isn't stored efficiently. It is best to take it little and often, to ensure a continuous functioning level. So 400 mcg a day (every day) is the optimum dose.

in reply tofbirder

Νο that's wrong. Ask someone with g6pd defiency who take folic acid for years or someone who take folic acid after hemolysis. Doctors start with 5mcgX2times per day for 1 month, and after 5mcg one day /week. I have now drag instructions and say that too. I take felicin

Ryaan profile image
Ryaan in reply to

Must have been 5mg.

in reply toRyaan

Yes 5mg.. Mistake

Ryaan profile image
Ryaan

No one has answered part of the question, if too much Folate can have the same effect (symptoms) as too little ?

Does anyone know ?

fbirder profile image
fbirder in reply toRyaan

There is a lot of argument as to whether too much folate has any measurable effect and just how much folate is 'too much'.

There is, for almost everybody, little point in taking large doses for a long time. So I can't see the point in taking the risk, even if it is very small.

Gizmo profile image
Gizmo

Ryan, folic acid is water soluble, the same as B12. The body excretes what it can’t use. Further, folate only stores for 4 months so it does not take long for your level to drop when B12 increases red cell production. I have never heard of anyone getting too much folic acid or folate.

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Folic Acid 5mg too much?

Hello, My doctor prescribed me 5mg folic acid for 4 months because my red cell folate was low...
GastritisB12 profile image

B12 neuro folic acid

Neuro bad symtoms there’s so much different advice around I’m so confused most are saying b12...
Milley2 profile image

Checking on my understanding of Folic Acid

The friend I am giving information to and not advising has Serum Folate test results of 3.3 ug/l....
WIZARD6787 profile image

Folate instead of Folic acid

I'm a breastfeeding mum, and found out today at the GP that I have low folic acid levels. Vitamin...

Too much folic acid?

Hiya, After I got my blood tests done on Monday I started to take the folic acid tablets I bought,...

Moderation team

See all
Gambit62 profile image
Gambit62Administrator
Foggyme profile image
FoggymeAdministrator
taka profile image
takaAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.