B12 and Folate

[Ny7C]

I just realized that my low B12 159ng/L score was accompanied by Folate level of 23.7ug/L. Which is high

Ive no idea what significance this has? Whats the reason?

I'd never been tested before.

.

[fbirder]

It's quite possibly caused by The Folate Trap.

There are lots of different types of folate in the body, and they all go round a few cycles, each being converted to another type in various biochemical processes.

One of those processes is the conversion of homocysteine to methionine. During this process a molecule of methyltetrahydrofolate (MTHF) passes its methyl group to the homocysteine, becoming tetrahydrofolate (THF). The THF enters the folate cycles and is converted to other, useful folates. That transfer of the methyl group requires cob(II)alamin, which is made from B12.

Without enough B12 the reaction cannot happen. MTHF cannot be converted to THF and the amount of MTHF builds up.

The folate test looks at all forms of folate together. So it sees lots of MTHF and reports high levels. But most of your folate is trapped as the useless MTHF It looks like you have loads of folate, but you can have the symptoms of a folate deficiency.

Here's a document that goes into more detail - b12science.com/B12Science/D...

[Nackapan in reply to fbirder]

Oh that's useful .

[Ny7C in reply to fbirder]

Hi fbirder, Thanks, would you able to decipher that a little? How can I lower my folate levels to a normal range?

[fbirder in reply to Ny7C]

If your high folate was caused by low B12 then fixing the low B12 should reduce folate.

If your high folate was caused by consuming lots of folate then reducing the amount you consume should reduce your levels.

[Nackapan]

My b12 wad 106ng/l

My folate 20(top of range 26)

I assume just means you absorbing your greens okay or folic acid supplements.

I was taking a multivit which all seem to have 200mcg folic acid in.

[AndreiSys]

High level of Folate is good. Just continue B 12 till normal level. Don’t forget to take D3 if you live in the country were not enough sunshine.