high B12 without supplementation folate low

[PaulaG3]

what tests should I request? I’ve been advised to use a folic acid supplement. But why are B12 and ferritin high?

[Technoid]

Excluding supplementation, high B12 has a number of possible causes. If its merely high normal range it could be a B12-rich diet. Another possibility although much less likely is a problem with cellular uptake of B12. The last possibility is as a side effect of serious conditions for which you should discuss with your doctor. There may be others I'm not aware of.

[Sleepybunny]

Hi,

I'm not medically trained.

If high B12 is not due to diet or to taking B12 supplements or to having B12 injections, I would expect a GP to check liver and kidney function and to do some further blood tests.

It may be worth looking into "Functional B12 Deficiency", where there is plenty of B12 in the blood but it's not getting to where it's needed in the cells so the patient can develop symptoms of B12 deficiency.

MMA, homocysteine and Active B12 (holotranscobalamin) test can help to diagnose functional B12 deficiency.

If your ferritin is high, have you been eating iron rich foods or taking iron supplements?

There are health conditions where iron can collect in body tissues.

Has your GP ordered a full panel of iron tests?

Iron Studies

labtestsonline.org.uk/tests...

[PaulaG3 in reply to Sleepybunny]

he is testing for Haemachroiditis ( which I don’t think I have) but doesn’t seem to want to reduced my levels despite them being three times the highest end.

Regard b12 i will request these as it’s not due to supplementation orca high b12 rich diet.

Thank you for your help.

[Sleepybunny]

Hi,

Did you mean Haemachromatosis?

NHS link about haemachromatosis

nhs.uk/conditions/haemochro...

Haemachromatosis UK (charity)

Has an advice line.

haemochromatosis.org.uk/

NICE guidelines for Haemachromatosis are currently in development, due to be published in 2025.

nice.org.uk/guidance/indeve...

[PaulaG3 in reply to Sleepybunny]

yes thank you 🙏🏼 I did x

I am just fed up of feeling nauseous! I have a neurological condition and just want to make the most of life x