Sky high folic acid levels ?

[Ctadds1]

I am getting weekly B12 injections. Folic acid levels are sky high without supplementing. Do I worry about this ?

[fbirder]

I've not heard that high levels of folate can indicate any problems.

How high is 'sky high'?

[Ctadds1 in reply to fbirder]

Normal range is 280 - 791

Mine was 1095

[fbirder in reply to Ctadds1]

Er, what units are those measured in? Because they don't tie in with any units I've ever seen - normally the range is 2 to 20 mcg/L or 4.5 to 45 nmol/L

[Ctadds1 in reply to fbirder]

The test is called folic acid RBC and the range is 280-791 NG/ML

[fbirder in reply to Ctadds1]

Ah! I should have thought of that.

[jox1 in reply to Ctadds1]

Over range rbc folate could suggest overmethylation. You may need to investigate further particularly if there are symptoms such as anxiety or insomnia. Sadly I can't say much more as the area is not well understood. But no - don't worry without understanding why it might be high

[Fiercepapillon in reply to jox1]

Interesting. So if SI methylcobalamin, could that be the problem. Not sure which product is being used.

[jox1 in reply to Fiercepapillon]

tbh I don't know - and I'm not sure anyone does. Methylcobalamin will provide methyl donors but whether there are too many donors is difficult to assess. You could certainly try a non- methylated form of b12 to see if blood results change....

[Ctadds1 in reply to jox1]

I am currently getting injection of Cyno so no methyl. Thank you for the info

[jox1 in reply to Ctadds1]

I see. You will need to research overmethylation to work out which way to go with your GP....

[Hidden]

My folic acid was three times it should have been, againNot supplementing. I would eat lots of veg, but biggest

Problem was from breakfast cereals, and occasional cereal bar.

My cholesterol was far too low, causing lots of nerve pain

Need a good amount of cholesterol (fat) to repair nerves.

Now I don t have cereals at all and stay away from healthy snack bars. Its amazing how you think you are eating well but in fact doing more harm.

We all need a good level of cholesterol. Not too low

Not too high, but I can say from experience I was in a lot more pain with low cholesterol than high.

[Nackapan in reply to Hidden]

That's interesting about nerve repair My gp rang me saying my cholesterol the highest it's ever been in December just before Christmas. So no visitors and nit many treats

The ratio I'm told is more important than the total figure.

My ratio okay . .I was told to change my diet and walk 2 mile's a day.

Well diet I've tweaked as di like cheeses!

Akso was horrified how much saturated fat in a cheese straw I had in for christmas . I wad eating slot of red meat and livef in the hope I'd absorb more iron and b12 .

I'd regained the near stone in weight lost when first ill. Now lost weight again but not too mich as I'd be weaker.i csnt walk 2 Miles yet . Shd should know that.

I do walk daily.

[Hidden in reply to Nackapan]

I used to eat weetabix to try and raise iron levels, and keep me regular (if you know what I mean), well it backfired. With IBS finding the right foods is a matter of elimination. Normally I can tell what to eliminateWith in days, but it's still hit and miss.

For instance orange juice .. no no. Milk no no

What I do know is that when b12 levels are sky high according to blood tests I am in far better health.

[Nackapan in reply to Hidden]

Thats good.Fodmap guides helped my daughter

She is diary free

Fructzn free

Its strange af times what shd does and does not

Loke she can eat sweet peppers but not stewed apple.

Oats are fine too.

Some things she czn only have certain amounts of. Took a long time tk work out but might help you

[wedgewood]

As long as the folic acid comes from natural sources i.e. folate in fruit and veg , there shouldn’t be a problem . But I would avoid breakfast cereals which are supplemented with folic acid . Other food stuffs are also supplemented with folic acid, so read the labels .

[Nackapan]

I was concerned when my folate levels went above range. I was taking supplements but only 200mcg in a multivit and 400mcg on a day no multivit. I have plain porridge and no fortified cereal bars Doctor was not concerned in the slightest.

I just dont take the 400mcg now.

Due to be tested in May / June as missed on last blood test . Just as well really as b12 is included on folate test and weve had lots of locums as surgery changing hands and no nurses !!

[Imaaan in reply to Nackapan]

Hi,

I'm trying to get my folate up and your reply piqued my interest. I know we absorb food and supplements differently but I'm curious to know how long did it take for your folate to go above range? Also, if you dont mind sharing where were you on the range when you started supplementing?

[fbirder in reply to Imaaan]

We do absorb folate differently from food and supplements.

Folate in supplements is more easily absorbed than is folate in food. Especially in people with low stomach acid - such as those with Pernicious Anaemia.

Folate in foods comes attached to multiple glutamic acid groups. Before the folate can be absorbed these glutamic acid groups must be removed by pancreatic proteases. These proteases need to be activated by acid.

Those with PA have low stomach acid, so their proteases are activated, so glutamic acid groups aren't removed from folate, and the folate isn't absorbed.

Folate in supplements doesn't come with all those glutamic acid groups, so is more easily absorbed.

[Imaaan in reply to fbirder]

Thnxs for the sharing this info.

[Nackapan in reply to Imaaan]

I was at 8mcg/l range 4-26 on my form. It took 3 months as thars when my next blood test was. No number just above range

One thing I can absorb!!! I do eat greens chick peas ect.

My ferritin level however took a year to get where I wanted it! About 58 now. From 29

[Imaaan in reply to Nackapan]

I really appreciate that you answered back. Its interesting how we vastly differ as humans. In regards to ferratin whenever it dips below the mid point, it takes me about 6-8 weeks. The only thing that can raise it quickly is lamb liver. I eat it 4 times a week and take a break the following week. I repeat this cycle until I've completed about 6 weeks. One week on and one week off.

I know liver has high amounts of vit A and copper, so I stop doing this cycle when I've completed 6 weeks. This has worked for me. I dont have pernicious anemia though.

[Nackapan in reply to Imaaan]

I wad eating liver . However cholesterol up so take ferrous fumerate 210 every other day and take spartone See what next bloods say !