Help! Low Folate for 1 Year?

[Sparkle44]

Hi I have had Abnormal levels of Serum Folate since September last year. Some blood results have been ‘undetectable’. I have tried Folic Acid but once I stop taking it my level drops to abnormal again.

Do you have any ideas what might be causing this?

I eat more veg than meat and love green veggies so defo not dietary.

[FlipperTD]

Does your Pathology Lab measure Red Cell Folate? That can be a more useful indicator than serum folate on its own. Does your Blood count show other indicators that might be associated with Folate deficiency? Good luck!

[Sparkle44 in reply to FlipperTD]

Hi I have elevated Homocysteine & low Phosphate. I went to Gastroenterology last week as I am also having reflux which is not every day, but have also had 4 attacks this year, which have increased in length of pain in the upper right side of my abdomen under my rib cage.

I am not a Anemic apparently. My B12 is normal. She wonders whether I might have a malabsorption issues, or celiac / chrons, or an ulcer?

They ordered bloods and a referral was made for an endoscopy -camera down my throat and a colonoscopy. She said they will take biopsies.

I am keeping everything crossed as these seem pretty extreme and invasive procedures???

Wendy

[fbirder]

Why not continue to take folic acid, 400 mcg a day?

It is recommended that all women of childbearing potential take that amount.

[Sparkle44 in reply to fbirder]

Hi the Gastroenterologist who I saw last week said after all investigation this might be an outcome to continue on the folic acid, but they want to understand what is causing the deficiency in he first place. Thanks.