what type of folate to take with b12 injections

[Cn13]

Hi

I was diagnosed with Pernicious Anaemia in 2017 and am on 8 weekly injections now. I also SI usually once a week. I still have lots of symptoms and still suffering with Iron Deficiency Anaemia which I can't seem to get better from.

I have been neglecting to take folate and am wondering which is the best form to take as I do suffer from absorption issues I think as have stomach problems sometimes. I did recently get my ferritin tested but forgot to ask for folate.

This was the ferritin result:

serum ferritin level 27.9 ug/l result says 16-40 borderline

The GP classed this as normal no further action

i think my white blood count was also low

total white blood count 5.0 10*9/L [4.0 - 11.0]

I also have Hypothyroidism and Vitiligo.

I would be grateful for some help please as I don't feel well at the moment.

Thanks.

[jade_s]

It's a bit trial and error to be honest. There are 3, maybe 4, forms: standard folic acid, folinic acid, methylfolate, and "food folate".

I started out on folic acid and did great. But after some years I need either methylfolate or folinic acid. I deduced this by keeping a symptoms log and trying one thing at a time, and sticking to it for 14-30 days or so. I've found that with folate, I need a minimum of 14 days to see its effects.

Some people get jittery/anxious on methylfolate and folinic acid. Other people cannot tolerate folic acid - it makes them nauseous. So it really is trial and error.

Your ferritin level is very low! It's best to get a standard iron panel before supplementing, as ferriting and serum iron don't always track each other. Too much iron is toxic, so best to know actual levels first. If your doctor will not test, you can get private tests using these private labs , you may also be able to use the thyroid uk discount codes for non-thyroid tests: thyroiduk.org/help-and-supp...

[Cn13 in reply to jade_s]

Hi jadeThanks for your reply. Ok I will start with one and see how I get on. Are there any brands you would recommend at all. I might try the methyl folate first.

My iron levels have been an ongoing problem for years and I struggle to raise the ferritin level. The GPs are no help and just think it is normal. I don't think they will do another tests. I will have a look at the private tests thank you.

[jade_s in reply to Cn13]

You're welcome! On the thyroiduk group (many of us are there too), people are raving about the "Three Arrows" iron brand from the US. Terrible website threearrowsnutra.com/pages/... but great results where other brands didn't work at all, people say : healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

I don't have any particular brand to recommend. I personally like the chewable ones from Country Life countrylifevitamins.com/pro... but I don't know if you can get those in the UK. Maybe from iherb. It does have xylitol and some other stuff, so just depends what you can/can't tolerate. You might again look through the thyroiduk forum for recommendations healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

[Mixteca in reply to Cn13]

Don't listen to your GP -this is not normal for you. I have similar issues to you: low iron for years despite supplementing and my ferritin had dropped to 30 after 6 months of SI. I also have vitiligo.

An iron panel is crucial, do that before you start supplementing as Jade said, folate level important to check too, being a cofactor for B12.

I'm having an iron infusion tomorrow which I'm paying for privately, so that's the route you could consider. It looks like absorption is the problem and supplements won't change that.

[DiNL]

Hi Carmel13n,

I have the same issue with my ferretin and iron. I am now using heme iron supplements, which are capsules of natural iron. I take 3 of these a day. They have helped get my ferretin levels up. Which was previously impossible with regular ferrous fumurate tablets. But like, Jade says, important to know your ferretin levels and then supplement and test again in 6-8 weeks so you keep a track of your levels. I can’t recommend the heme iron enough, don’t constipate me and seem to be working. I ordered Optifera brand (which worked well but have a low dose) and now I’m using 3 arrows from the US. They ship everywhere. I also joined an iron group and got advice from there too. But most important is to monitor your levels of iron when you start supplementing.