Low B12 & Folate, what next?

[JT5790]

Hello,

I had bloods and they came back B12 132 and Folate 2.5. I wondered what I should expect next? Doctor is taking their sweet time updating me as per usual.

[Nackapan]

B12 should be treated first .Then folate

You don't give measurements or ranges

What are your symptoms?

Did they test it iron, vitamin D ,ferritin ?

Treatment usually starts with b12 loading doses y over 2 weeks

[JT5790 in reply to Nackapan]

I’m always tired, achy, foggy, can’t focus. Do get pins & needles in hands. These are things I’d normalised as part of just being run down and getting older, actually found out about my levels by accident. What do you mean by ranges??

Ferritin normal

[JT5790]

My range is:

Folate 3.1-20.5

B12 187-883

I think thats what you might have meant 😊

[Nackapan in reply to JT5790]

Yes b12 is either a serum test or active Different measurements.

The result is given with a range in brackets on the right

The labs set the range

Hope they tested your thyroid too .

I expect you will discuss the results with your Gp and prescribed what you need .

So many PA / b12 deficiency symptoms overlap with other things.

Good you having all the tests

Have you had b12 tested last year to compare levels?

( i noticed you joined the forum over a year ago)

Symptoms to creep up over time.

[JT5790 in reply to Nackapan]

My result

Results

[JT5790]

Yes my result was 132 b12 serum and 2.5 folate against those ranges I posted above. Don’t think they tested my thyroid actually. Nope sadly this is the first time ever my B12 has been tested so nothing to compare it to.

[Marz in reply to JT5790]

Your below range B12 could be the cause of soo many symptoms. Even the ones you mentioned on the Heart Forum a year ago. I have read that B12 is good at 500+ and Folate mid-range - so at least 10. Low iron can be the cause of heart symptoms so testing Ferritin ( stored iron ) along with Serum Iron would be a start. Oxygen is transported around the body by adhering to the iron in the red blood cells. Low iron = Low oxygen which the heart senses and tries to adapt.

You need to obtain copies of all your blood tests - they are legally yours. You can then see what was tested - or not - for the thyroid. Rarely are the correct tests carried out in the NHS.

Docs often declare results normal when they mean in range - it is where you are in the range that is the key to good health. Happy to help with thyroid....🌻

[pejka62 in reply to JT5790]

I had a B12 readings of 110 --10 years ago and my doctor asked me if I could give myself shots, so I did for 12 months once a week and I still have nerve damage in my legs but if it wasn't for this doctor, I would be in a wheelchair or not here. I take a pill now every day and my last B12 reading was 450.

[Littlelodge123]

You have quite a severe B12 deficiency. Your GP may try and establish the cause by doing either or both of IFAB or PCAB antibodies which if positive indicates PA. IFAB is notorious for showing false negatives so your GP needs to go on clinical features. Unless you are vegetarian or vegan it is likely you have PA. You should have been started on injections then given folate supplements. Insist on this happening. You will deteriorate without treatment.

[JT5790]

The doctor finally called. I have a call in two weeks to discuss my “low vitamins” but that it’s nothing to worry about. I kind of disagree unless they plan on treating me properly!

[JT5790]

Thanks everyone. I finally start my 6 loading doses tomorrow alongside b12 & folate tabs. Can’t wait to feel “normal” again! 6 injections over next 2 weeks then a blood test and take it from there.

[Hidden in reply to JT5790]

Please try eating banana, potassium rich food as when first starting on treatment potassium levels do fall for a short time. .

Best wishes hope you find improvement soon.