Folic Acid

[Mioe]

Hi, I have been having B12 injections for 20 years (every 10 wks), but last year started fainting and having really bad palpitations, I actually pased out in the gps surgery, they tested my bloods and found Im low in iron so they gave me a 3 month course of Ferrous Sulfate which brought my levels back, I did feel much better and no longer passed out , they refused to give me any more so I bought some Folic Acid 400ug tablets, been taking 1 a day, however over time Im feeling "rough" againe, I found a box of prescribed Ferrous Sulfate back of cupboard and started taking them and must say im feeling better, Im wondering if I need these 200mg tablets permanently ?, But I know my gps will be reluctant to supply, any ideas of what I should do. Thanks.

[Technoid]

I'm a bit confused at the logic here - they refused to give you any more Ferrous Sulfate Iron tablets so you took Folic Acid? Sorry if I misunderstood here but iron and folic acid are two quite different things. They cannot substitute for each other. Why not get your iron/ferritin checked? It's best not to supplement Iron unless you are deficient as Iron can build up and cause health problems, They probably won't prescribe 200mg long term because that kind of large dose taken daily might cause iron accumulation in organs over time. Lower dosages on alternate days may help raise iron faster (counterintuitive as that sound) but I'd advise to get your Iron/Ferritin tested before resuming supplementation at all. The iron RDA is 8mg for those over 50 so 200mg is really a gigantic dose and more than the body can absorb at one time. Alternate day dosages between 15mg to 80mg tend to be more effective.

See haematologica.org/article/v...

[Mioe in reply to Technoid]

Thanks for the above info, Im taking the folic acid in desperation as they wont give me any more Ferrous Sulphate or even re- test me, as far as gp concerned, they say levels ok (back in 2020) even though Im feeling tierd/off againe, I guess I have to collapse againe in the surgery before they will bother !

[Technoid in reply to Mioe]

OK but again just to clarify, Folic Acid has nothing whatsoever to do with Ferrous Sulphate. Folic Acid/Folate is Vitamin B9 and has its own set of important functions in the body. Ferrous Sulphate is an Iron supplement so they are two completely different things. You can't treat an iron deficiency with folic acid or a folate deficiency with iron.

[Mioe in reply to Technoid]

Gosh, this is confusing now, the gp saud I was b9 defecient and gave me 3 months supply of Ferrous Sulfate 200mg, so what can I take that i can buy over the counter that is similar but lower dose ?

[helvella in reply to Mioe]

You can buy many and various iron supplements - including sulphate and fumarate and bisglycinate online or in pharmacies. (Appreciate not everyone can afford them all.)

Though it is important to get tests from time to time to avoid over-doing it.

[Mioe in reply to helvella]

Thanks for that info, will look into it.

[helvella in reply to Mioe]

You could follow this link. I'm not recommending these people over other suppliers. Just their website is big - so has many options. And quite good on providing details. And search within their site works. (Unlike Amazon which seems to add random products whatever you search for.)

uk.iherb.com/search?kw=iron

I'm no expert on iron. Others are likely better placed to make suggestions as to which form might be best for you.

[Mioe in reply to helvella]

Aww, thats brilliant, thanks so much 🙂

[MrJustatip]

Check out megaloblastic anemia and also note: folic acid will mask a Vit. B12 deficiency, so your b12 levels may appear to fall in the ok range but may really be too low.

[Mioe in reply to MrJustatip]

Thank you, Im going to make appment with gp as really feeling " not right' having palpitations and shortness of breath at same time, feel Ive got no oxygen , banging headache, same symptoms I had when I was found to be low in Iron,

[EiCa]

I get "revved up" by supplementing folate. I am now taking 1/4 tablet of an 800 mcg. folinic acid tablet (methyl was horrible for me) and I still feel revved up but I know I need it so this is my compromise. My folate level is very low normal.