Question about folate

[SAM2608]

Apologies for asking so many questions- I really feel this forum is the only place to get informed answers- appreciate your help so much.

I’m reading lots of conflicting things about taking folate. I’m asking on behalf of 17 year old daughter.

Her blood results were :

B12 - 95

Ferritin -14 (have been supplementing with spa tone, GP finally agreed to prescribe iron tablets)

Folate 10.3 if/l.

I see this is in range, but would a folic acid supplement increase effectiveness of b12 injections- currently on 2 a week until symptoms stop improving.

She is feeling so much better with more frequent injections and I know gp is keen to stop them ASAP I just want to give her best shot at absorbing as much as possible- if that’s possible!

Thank you in advance

Sam

[Nackapan]

Yes you are right. Folate is in range. It wont alter 12 efficiency.

Supplementing with 200-400mcg folic acid (cheap from supermarket) daily is deemed safe by NHS. If you look it up child bearing age women can have 400mcg .

I'm older and took folic acid 200-400 and went above range so it depends on what she absorbs and what not.

Eat plenty of good food.

So glad to hear improvements being made.

[SAM2608 in reply to Nackapan]

Thank you Nackapan. So try to eat folate rich foods and don’t supplement for now?

So glad about improvement too - I just hope gp doesn’t stop injections like he did a few weeks ago - ‘because she should be able to retain levels by now and the numbness must be something else like migraine episode’. Constantly feel on the back foot.

Thank you for sharing your wisdom and experience.

[fbirder in reply to SAM2608]

I would do both -

Eat lots of folate-rich foods (leafy green veg, nuts, seeds, pulses) because they are generally good things to eat anyway.

And take folic acid (200 to 400 mcg a day). In some parts of the world all women of childbearing potential are advised to supplement at that level, just in case they fall pregnant. Here in the UK it's only those planning to get pregnant that are given that advice. They've obviously never heard of accidents.

[Justiina in reply to Nackapan]

For how long you took it?

I bought folic acid to make sure I get enough as my diet has been rubbish lately. Started to eat more dark green veggies but want to speed it up a bit with folic acid.

[Nackapan in reply to Justiina]

3 months of200- 400mcg daily. Then I had a blood test. I still have some as take a multivit every other day. But top of range now.

[Justiina in reply to Nackapan]

Thanks. So definitely no need for high dose to get good level of folate.

[Nackapan in reply to Justiina]

I dont think so as in range to start with. 200-400 mcg a day as suggested for most adults as deemed safe by nhs.

Did your daughter also have vit d tested?

At this time of year in the UK. A supplement is recommended. Again not a high dose

Should also be in a multi vit.

If on iron when she gets her bloods repeated get folate and vit d on it. Then she knows if okay.

I took months to get my ferritin levels up. Hope its quicker for your daughter.

[SAM2608 in reply to Nackapan]

Not had vit D tested yet. Will get some blood results back tomorrow but not sure that was on the list.

She’s had a bad day today - seems she’s only feeling ‘normal’ day after an injection. Hopefully upping her ferritin will help.

Thank you x

[Nackapan in reply to Justiina]

Sorry got in a muddle there. Same reply. Buf not about daughter🤣was thinking of SAM2628