Concerned about my folate and ferritin levels

[Lincsangel]

Hi everyone... I had my first blood test done in April where my B12 level was 122...( I have serious neurological symptoms.) My folate level was 3.9 and ferritin 17.3.

I was given 6 B12 injections over 2 weeks and also ferrous sulphate tablets.

I had a further B12 injection 4 week later, and also bloods taken, 10 mins after injection.

My B12 came back at 2000, folate 5.5 and ferritin 60.9.

My gp then said because of my levels I didn't need any more B12 and to stop taking the ferrous sulphate.

2 weeks later my bloods came back at B12 2000, folate 4.6 and ferritin 38.2.

I'm thinking that my folate and ferritin are too low... any advice please.... xx

( I have ordered B12 for SI )

My vid D was 111nmol/L

[Sleepybunny]

Hi,

UK folate ref ranges are usually about >4 ng/L meaning more than 4ng/L.

Ref range for your area might be set a bit higher or lower.

I'm guessing your latest result is only just within normal range.

Have you asked GP about taking a folate supplement. I also suggest talking to local pharmacist.

Make sure you mention your B12 deficiency if you discuss folate deficiency with them.

Treating a folate deficiency without treating a co-existing B12 deficiency can lead to neurological problems. In a person with both B12 and folate deficiencies, B12 treatment would usually be started first.

See Links below.

BNF Folic Acid

bnf.nice.org.uk/drug/folic-...

See Cautions section in above link which says that folic acid should never be given on its own for PA (Pernicious Anaemia) or other megaloblastic anaemias caused by Vit B12 deficiency as this may lead to SACD, subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord.

NICE CKS B12 and folate deficiency

cks.nice.org.uk/topics/anae...

BSH Cobalamin and Folate Guidelines

b-s-h.org.uk/guidelines/gui...

I'm not medically trained.

[EiCa in reply to Sleepybunny]

I am concerned about my folate level. I am TRYING (unsuccessfully) to convert my lab result to the UK range cited above of >4ng/L. My measurement is in 6.1mcg/mL. I THINK this is above range but I am totally mixed up. The range in the US is 6mcg/mL but the UK range seems to put me higher? I tried using conversion tables. I wonder what is wrong here....

[helvella in reply to EiCa]

This calculator would appear to cover your needs:

unitslab.com/node/114

Though they have expressed mcg/L as µg/L - just a different convention for typing.

[EiCa in reply to helvella]

Thank you.

[Nackapan]

Well I'd go by your symptoms.Seems odd b12 stopped unless it was definitely dietary.

Your ferritin level responded well to treatment.

I've never needed iron supplements before so ether high need as high b12 intake or stopped absorbing g that as well.

Took me alot longer to get it up I the 4os

I take a low dose iron supplement as maintenence as otherwise it drops.

Discussed with Gp and monitored.

I eat a very good mixed diet.

You coukd eat more folate rich foods and perhaps take 200- 400mcg folic acid ?

My fiate first tested at 5 and I initially took 400mcg of folic acid daily.

I don't need thus now .

We are all different .

Main thing is monitoring symptoms