Questions regarding cofactors

[tradkita]

Several questions regarding cofactors (hopefully that’s the right term).

Can you you have trouble absorbing folate regardless of levels? Like with PA my B12 levels were normal but I wasn’t absorbing it. My folate levels are high but I want to be sure it’s absorbed properly in case of a future pregnancy.

My Potassium was low at my recent appointment. Will a regular multivitamin clear up this issue?

What supplements do you recommend someone with PA? I know it varies for each person. Considering a B complex and trying to be consistent with my prenatal vitamin each day while breastfeeding. I try to get nutrients from diet first, but it’s likely I miss some or struggle with absorption.

Thanks all.

[Nackapan]

Get your potassium from food. Coconut ways. Baked potatoes. Banannas ect. Get medical advice on how much folic aciI'd ti take. A multivit but check which one as obviously can't take b complex as well or have it everywhere day

Look into how you can better aborn from food. Diary is a good source. Each.

Nuts and a variety diet. . I would take advice from the medics

[tradkita in reply to Nackapan]

I’ll happily eat more potatoes.

[fbirder]

If your B12 levels are normal then it means that you are absorbing it. However, with B12 it can be the case that the stated 'normal' range will not give levels high enough for you, as an individual.

If your folate levels are high then you are definitely absorbing it. Unlike B12 there is no real cross-over between the normal range and the range at which a deficiency can be present.

Was your potassium actually below the bottom of the range? If so, try eating more potassium-rich foods. Or swap your salt for lo-salt, where one-third of the sodium chloride is swapped for potassium chloride.

I would take supplements recommended by a doctor.

If you're in the UK then the recommendation is to take Vitamin D supplements in autumn and winter. You may want to try a spray, rather than tablets as the gastritis that causes PA can also affect Vitamin D absorption. I follow this advice.

It is recommended that all women of childbearing potential take 400 mcg of folic acid a day. So I would follow that advice. My folate is low (close to, or below range) unless I supplement.

I also take a low-dose iron supplement (Solgar's Gentle Iron) as I've had iron-deficiency anaemia several time in the past.

Taking a multi-vitamin/mineral daily pill shouldn't do any damage as long as it's 100% of the recommended amount, or less. Supermarket own-brands are good and cheap.

[tradkita in reply to fbirder]

Good to hear about folate. B12 absorption confuses me enough already. I’ll be sure whatever multivitamin I choose includes 400mcg just in case. Yes my potassium was below the bottom range. Doc said it was odd. My sodium way slightly elevated so maybe I should reduce that.

I’m US based. Would you still recommend a Vitamin D supplement?

[fbirder in reply to tradkita]

The amount of Vitamin D you need depends on where you live and the colour of your skin. New Scientist had an article that had some good info (and a great diagram) on sunlight and Vitamin D. crsociety.org/topic/16990-s...