FOLATE DEFICIENCY VERY SYMPTOMATIC AS... - Pernicious Anaemi...

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FOLATE DEFICIENCY VERY SYMPTOMATIC ASKING FOR ANSWERS, OPINIONS, REASONS ETC..!!

G0raN profile image
35 Replies

My folic acid test was 8 ng/ml reference ranges from 1.6 to 8.8 ng/ml. I have poor concentration, loss of.balance, feeling disoriented, double vision, muscle weakness, numbness and tingling in hands and legs.and feet, cold hands, my level Of consciousness is very decreased, shortness od breath dizziness anxiety depression , and etc.. My thyroid was fine, my all hormones testosterone, progesterone, prolactin, estrogen, cortisol, all minerals calcium, potassium, natrium, phosphate, magnesium were in normal range aswell.. Then i start testing my vitamin D it ans it was 17 ng and i rise it ro 40 ng then i still felt same. Then i decide to. Test b12 and it was 390 pg/ml i thought that it was low and i raise it for 1 month to 980pg/ml, but the symptoms were still present. And lastly i found my self thought about symptoms in folic acid which has similar symptoms like b12 deficiency aswell.. And I've started with combined folic acid 2 mlg and 1 mlg methyfolate for 20 days till now.. So far i felt a bit relief in legs thought about muscle weakness and numbness and my shortness of breath got decreased a bit.. My guess is that the refernt ranges are very low, thats why i have all symptoms despite the doctor saying its normal. I've already researched on internet and i figure out that i must have at least 15 ng/ml which.is consider optimal but that doesn't mean that I'll be symptom free right? Every human body has different lvls of folic acid in the body, btw im 33 year old male who is suffering 6 and a half years from something i couldn't found out why year after year my level of consciousness was decreased, memory problems, forgetfulness, mood changes, feeling sad, hopelessness, my energy got decreased to, my legs were hurting, joint pain, fatigue and planty more.. i barely couldn't walk 500 meters and i started instantly got tired.. I couldn't realize why on hell my folic acid decrease year after year.. I eat everything from any tyoe of meat, chicken, fish, etc, planty of vegetables, I've never been on some kind diet. And thats why I asking for in my head why this happened to me cuz i know the causes of low folic acid.. Once 12 year ago i got trauma from weed and from. That day i wasnt. The same person, i planty sure that weed lower my dopamine lvls cuz folic regulates serotonin, dopamine neurotransmitters in brain.. My hair start to fall i get in weight as well cuz folic regulate metabolism, immune system, nervous system aswell to be healthy. My question is how much should i increase my lvlv of folic acid so i can start feeling better though about the symptoms cause that's is my goal.. I really appreciate and be great fully to anyone who will read whole post and give me any kind of answer, suggestion opinions , thoughts on this cuz i am desperate to hear from u guys.. Does the weed is responsible for lowerinf my folic acid year after year or something else?.GOD BLESS U ALL AND STAY HEALTHY FOR LIFE ALL ON THIS FORUM.!!

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Nackapan profile image
Nackapan

Was your iron and ferritin levels also checked?

Are you on any antidepressants. Some raise your serotonin which could help your ?chemical lnbalance from your weed you say youve not been right from since. ? or any meds that side effects are not helpful.

Unless I've read it wrong your folate looks well in range. I cant think of anything else.

You sound positive and working through it methodically which is good.

Hope you get some relief soon.

G0raN profile image
G0raN in reply toNackapan

They are both normal though about ferritin and iron aswell. I was on everything 10 years any kind of if change them nothing helped just i got sicket and worse. I havr side effects to. No chemical imbalance since that day.. based in part on World Health Organization recommendations is 14 to 59ng/ml.for optimal health nervous system immune system, metabolism etc.. Its sound and looks like that but i am stucked with ton of symptoms which i mentioned in myth previous post.. Correct me if I'm wrong in something

fbirder profile image
fbirder

If you are taking 2 mg of folic acid, plus 1 mg of methylfolate, then you may be taking too much. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/268... I would suggest stopping the folic acid and just take the 1 mg of methylfolate a day (a very few people can benefit from methylfolate over folic acid).

Unlike vitamin B12, where it's not at all unusual to find people suffering from symptoms of a 'deficiency with serum levels well into the 'normal' range, Folate levels are a much better predictor of folate status and the serum folate test is much more accurate and precise then the B12 test.

Your folate level was near the top of the range (although that range seems pretty low). Taking 1 mg of methylfolate a day should get that up towards 20 ng/mL.

Your B12 was above average and is now well above average.

G0raN profile image
G0raN in reply tofbirder

Will my symptoms start to disappear in that range though about ur 20 ng range that u suggest me? And for how long does it take? I've been seeing posts on sites that its take 3 to 6 months depends from result or dosage..

G0raN profile image
G0raN in reply tofbirder

Does age matter or gender matters about folate lvs..? as I've read on one page based in part on World Health Organization recommendations is 14 to 59ng/ml.,? For optimal health.. I want to give me an answer or opinion about Is there toxicity in folic acid or all passes throughout our urine?

fbirder profile image
fbirder in reply toG0raN

It makes no difference if it passes through the urine. Too much folate may be harmful ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/268...

G0raN profile image
G0raN in reply tofbirder

No. Folate is a B vitamin and all B vitamins are water soluble. This means that if you take too much of a B vitamin then your kidneys will filter out the excess and you will "pee it out". People who have low B12 levels can have toxicity to excess folic acid -- but this is rarely seen. Posted by Dr. Kevin W. Windom, MD OBGYN (Obstetrician & Gynecologist) any thoughts on his opinion..? Cuz I'm not b12 deficient

helvella profile image
helvella in reply toG0raN

But some B vitamins can cause problems on the way through. Like B6.

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/287...

So assurance on the basis "all B vitamins are water soluble" seems not to be entirely justified.

G0raN profile image
G0raN in reply tohelvella

Did u read my long previous post cause I've been seeking for answers on that specific topic instead copy pasting me links about b6.. I do not suffer from b6 deficiency so i dont get ur point cause yes they all water soluble but that doesn't mean for folic acid to therefore i was expecting a reply to my topic instead of this.. If u knew something about my situation based on what I've been experiencing i strongly appreciated if u csn give me. Any type of answer ty..

fbirder profile image
fbirder in reply toG0raN

No. Hydrogen cyanide is water soluble. That doesn't make it safe.

There is evidence that too much folate, even in those who are B12 replete, can be harmful.

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

haematologica.org/content/1...

G0raN profile image
G0raN in reply tofbirder

So how much is to much though about reference ranges.. Which lvl is optimal for healthy nervous , immune system and metabolism.. Without having any symptoms? thats my goal.. Or depends from person to person? Ill try to raise to 20 ng/ml but if i still dont feel full recover then i should raise more or thata not the case..? Correct me if I am wrong.. How's ur folate lv btw if u already checked it

fbirder profile image
fbirder in reply toG0raN

It's your body....

G0raN profile image
G0raN in reply tofbirder

Cam u tell me ur level of folic acid if that's problem for u.. Or u didnt know cause of u ain't checked it or u have no problem related to folate?

fbirder profile image
fbirder in reply toG0raN

When first diagnosed in 2015 my folate was 9.6 ng/mL. This June it was 17.4 ng/mL

I take 1000 mcg a day of methylfolate.

G0raN profile image
G0raN in reply tofbirder

Any symptoms similar like mine that I've mentioned above. In my post? Though with 9.6 ng/ml if so what kind of symptoms u suffer from.?

G0raN profile image
G0raN in reply tofbirder

Is 30 ng/ml to much lets take it for example this result.? Cus since every lab has different references ranges considering the fact that all websites with trusted sources and information.. for example lets take healthline webmd mayoclinic, medicalnews etc.. Those are all very reliable websites with correct and true facts..based what I've read on their forum and articles they've considrr optimal ranges from 15 to 50 and upper ng/ml..

fbirder profile image
fbirder in reply toG0raN

No, every lab doesn't have different ranges for normal folate levels. At least not madly different. My results list the normal range as 2 - 20 ng/mL.

Medscape give 2 to 20 - emedicine.medscape.com/arti...

Glos NHS says over 4 - gloshospitals.nhs.uk/our-se...

South Tees - 1.5 to 20 gloshospitals.nhs.uk/our-se...

The BCSH say anything above 4.5 - onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi...

G0raN profile image
G0raN in reply tofbirder

So u have no any kind symptoms similar to mine on 9.6ng /ml that is what I've been waiting to answer me cuz i have 8.1 ng/ml and despite we have very closed results i have symptoms thats my main issue.. Did u have symptoms or no on 9.6 ngml? And for how much time took u to raise ur lvls of folate from 9.6 to 17 ng ml..?

G0raN profile image
G0raN in reply tofbirder

How much time took u to raise ur lvls from 9.6 to 17 ng? Any symptoms similar like b12 in 9.6ng or not?

Foggyme profile image
FoggymeAdministrator in reply toG0raN

GOraN . Just to reiterate what others have said...

If, as you say, your folate level is 8ng/ml in the reference range 1.8 - 8.8ng/ml, then you clearly do not have a folate deficiency.

Please be aware that both folic acid and methylfolate can cause insomnia...and other symptoms that you are experiencing. And research indicates that over supplementing long-term with folic acid or methylfolate can cause potentially irreversible neurological damage.

I would urge you to stop taking the folic acid and methylfolate - you may well find that the insomnia and some of your other symptoms abate, if you do so.

Interestingly, the signs and symptoms of folate deficiency are ALSO the signs and symptoms of over-supplementation, so you may well be exacerbating your symptoms by inadvertently over-supplementing with the two forms of folate.

I agree with both of Gambit's replies below ... from what you say it sounds like your issues may be related to previous drug use and I would join her in urging you to seek medical advice from a suitably qualified professional who you feel able to be open and honest with.

I am concerned that by focusing on vitamin B12 and folate as the cause of your symptoms you are a) using folate in a way that ultimately may cause you further harm and long-term damage and b) cause the underlying issues for your symptoms to go unaddressed.

Forum members are excellent at supporting people with PA / B12 deficiency but unfortunately, the issues you speak of are way off topic for this forum. And none here are medically qualified so advice here cannot be substituted for professional medical advice.

So, in order to get the best possible treatment and care for yourself, please do follow up with a qualified medical professional.

Very best of luck with all of this...

G0raN profile image
G0raN in reply toFoggyme

Your folate level was near the top of the range (although that range seems pretty low). Taking 1 mg of methylfolate a day should get that up towards 20 ng/mL.

Your B12 was above average and is now well above average. This was fbider answer.. And i asked him how much his folate lvl are he said 9.6/nml than he raised up to 17ng/ml and references range were different from lab's

Gambit62 profile image
Gambit62Administrator

1. Folate isn't stored in the body in the way B12 is - so is very responsive to dietary intake and levels are much more variable in a given individual than B12. This also means that the normal range is operating in a different way for folate than the way it operates for B12 and is much more akin to a range for other substances, like electrolytes, indicating the normal operating ranges for individuals. It is unlikely that a given individual will be folate deficient if their serum folate levels are in the normal range.

2. The normal range for folate doesn't vary much - what can vary is the units used (measurement by mass or measurement by number of molecules in a given volume) - the numbers for these ranges are very different.

the symptoms of folate deficiency tend to come on quite quickly, which is a major difference from B12 deficiency.

3. The symptoms of folate and B12 deficiency are very similar because the two are often used together in cells in the same processes. However, it is also the case that they overlap with the symptoms of a huge number of other conditions.

4. As fbirder says, high supplementation of folate can cause problems. Whilst it is also true that the B vitamins are water soluble and excess will be removed by the kidneys if you are putting in the vitamin faster than the kidneys can remove it levels will build up and can cause problems. Think of it like a bath with the plug out - if you run the taps fast enough you can still fill the bath and it will still overflow even if the plug is out. Helvella quoted an article on B6 to illustrate that it isn't the case that excess B vitamins are removed by the kidneys if you are putting the vitamin in faster than your kidneys can remove it ... and the consequences can have a permanent affect on your health.

If you feel that your problems may be related to the taking of weed 12 years ago I suggest you have an open conversation about that with your GP. It may have affected the way your brain is able to process and use folate (eg triggered a latent gene). It doesn't sound as if you have a folate absorption problem - though you may have a problem processing folate after it gets into your blood stream - which is way off topic for this forum which is actually about a specific problem with absorbing B12 from food.

G0raN profile image
G0raN in reply toGambit62

First of all i really appreciate that head admin reply to my topic snd gave me e long awaited answer I've been looking for. . Back then i was young and I've been randomly manipulate over and forced to try the weed cuz i didnt even knew that was weed i thought he offered me a cigarette.. From that day i experience a serious mental trauma same like all symptoms I've mentioned in my topic. I ran it to my home scared to death from and lay down in my bad i i couldn't stop shaking i was frightened so much from the feelings of thr weed..i couldn't figured it out why my folate lvls were falling drop this 10 plus years and started worsening year after year.i didnt felt symptoms back then but last 6 years they started dramatically ti increased.. I wan to hear from u again and what should i do further any advice, opinion about my condition though about how much dosage of methyfolate should i take, does this reference range are small 1.6 ng/ml - 8.8..? Cuz my result was 8.2ng/ml but i still feel the similar or same symptoms of b12 deficiency but my lvl if b12 js 980pg/ml. How much time needed to increase the lvls of folate though on which lvl should be symptoms free or there is no evidence based of your knowledge.. Should i stopped the folic acid and just take straight methyfolate cuz i got insomnia from those 2 extra mlg of folic?

Gambit62 profile image
Gambit62Administrator in reply toG0raN

G0ran,

This forum is not a substitute for professional medical advice and it looks like that is what you really need.

Please speak to your doctor. Alternatively you could try speaking to a pharmacist to see what they can advise.

You might find that you get more relevant support from contacting others who have used cannabis/drugs who are more likely to have had similar experiences but I am afraid I don't know of any such support groups. The closest I can suggest is

mind.org.uk/

Your serum B12 increased significantly following high dose supplementation - which implies you don't have a B12 absorption problem. Your folate levels are still within the normal range making it extremely unlikely that you are folate deficient.

As stated before your post is off-topic for this forum.

G0raN profile image
G0raN in reply toGambit62

Im on 1 mlg methyfolate for 3 weeks so far i started to feel a bit better. My muscles weakness, tingling and numbness got decreased ealso my shortness of breath got a bit better in terms of while im walking up the stairs i felt more energy.. fbider told me that I'm deficient and he gavd me samples from lab's which shows different references ranges from 4.5 ng/ml up to 20 ng and above.. Also i ask him how much should i raise my folate lvl i gave him examples 20 or 30 ng /ml and he answered me back it depends from your body.. So far i start to feeling improvements shich indicates from where my symptoms i mentioned in my long post coming from.. Did u know ur own lvl of folate or u didn't been tested..? If so, how much is it ur result if that's not a problem or secret i just want to know on healthy person.. I rly appreciate if u give me some sample of optimal ranges for folate.. Sorry if I'm getting boring but i just need a opinion about my situation from u aswell like fbider did.. Ty again

G0raN profile image
G0raN

That wasn't the question I'd like to be answered cuz just randomly read from another side related to my problem and just copy paste it.. My main issue and whst most concerns me alot is my folate situation like I've mentioned in my previous long post so i was expecting to answer me or give me some advice opinions etc or u skip it an didnt read at all.. I rly appreciate if u didnt read to read it and what ur thoughts on that and what should i do further.. Ty

G0raN profile image
G0raN

But i didn't tell me your levels of folic acid that's the difference cuz im symptomatic on 8.1 ng/ml and all lab's has different references ranges.. My main issue is low folate and i have not autoimmune disease or neuropathy. Its obvious that every person needs or has different lvls of folate for optimal health and lastly my body can tolerate methyfolate and folic as well but my guess is i take it to mucb 2 mlg folic and 2 mlg methyfolate

G0raN profile image
G0raN

I must lower the dosage and stick to 1mlg methyfolate and test next day will i have insomnia

harapara1 profile image
harapara1

How did you increase your b12?

In your case you must have injections of hydroxycobalamin 1mg on alternative days ,until your symptoms improve,a month or more and then 1inj every 15 to 30 days.

Stop folate ,you get too much,stop it at all.You may harm your liver.Dit you get pills of b12? It is completely wrong,they can't be absorbed.

When we are sumlemented with b12, we don't check it anymore!

G0raN profile image
G0raN in reply toharapara1

They were in lozenges form 1 mlg methycobamalin i took 1 month and i raised my lvl despite was in normal range that wasn't the problem cause folatw and b12 have similar symptoms and i though my result is lower then i switch to methyfolate 1 mlg and i started to feel better my symptoms started to decrease a bit though about my shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle weakness numbness and tingling etc so far i must lower the dose and jusr stick active. Form of folate.. Btw have u ever tested ur folic. if do what ur lvs and reference ranges cuz the lab I've tested has given small references ranges frim 1.6 to 8.8 but as I've read to all sites the reference ranges were starting from 4.5 to 20 ng/ml and above

G0raN profile image
G0raN

I rly appreciate ur effort for giving me advice and opinion about my situation cause im rly scared to live in this situation 6 years fulfilled with ton of symptoms and negative thoughts cause i jusr recently started the therapy 20 plus days and i haven't the knowledge from that degree like this guys here so thats why I've asking ti give their opinions for my situation cuz. I can't live like that stucked in symptomatic form till resr of my life.. My body can't deal the pressure anymore and I'm desperate and at the same time brave enough to stay like this

G0raN profile image
G0raN

God bless u and stay healthy cuz there's is nothing more precious and more important then health in ur life's.. But when u loose it it then u start realizing that everything is worthless living ur life..

snowbird1234 profile image
snowbird1234

1st... how is your Diet? any Prescriptions Pills?

2nd I have those symptoms when my Iron is Low need Vite C to absorb Iron

3rd what is your red blood count & the size of your cells...Too Large can NOT pass thru to you...

I have learned alot about the Blood and I am NOT a Doctor...LOL

Intrinsic factor binds to vitamin B12. ..in the Stomach... Vitamin B12 is needed for red blood cells to form and grow. Some people do not make enough intrinsic factor or have a condition that destroys it. If your body does not make enough intrinsic factor, you can develop a type of vitamin B12 deficiency called pernicious anemia

Lack of intrinsic factor may be due to an autoimmune reaction in which your immune system mistakenly attacks the stomach cells that produce it. Vitamin B-12 deficiency anemia caused by a lack of intrinsic factor is called pernicious anemia

keep Searching

G0raN profile image
G0raN in reply tosnowbird1234

Everything is fine except my folate lvl.. Im on methyfolate 1 mlg 3 weeks so far and felt a bit improvement in symptoms.. My muscle weakness numbness and tingling in legs got decreased and my shortness of breath got better aswell so far its fine but the time will tell for the rest of the symptoms i got though about energy lvl poor coordination, disorientation, poor concentration, loss of.balance, double vision and etc, cuz all symptoms are similar to b12 but mine is 980pg/ml which is ideal result and lastly i already know all about b12 to aswell.. That's not my problem..

Foggyme profile image
FoggymeAdministrator

GOraN

From what you say, you do not appear to have an issue with vitamin B12 deficiency and, as outlined by several responders, neither do you appear to have a folate deficiency, and may well do yourself long-term damage by supplementing with folic acid and methylfolate (the methylfolate doses you are taking or intend to take are WAY too high).

In order to deliver appropriate safeguarding functions and thus prevent you inadvertently being given advice that may be misleading, in your case, the admin team have therefore made the decision to close your post to further replies.

We urge you to seek appropriately qualified medical help.

Best of luck and we sincerely hope you find some answers.

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