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Folate/B-complex supplementation in B12d and hypothyroidism?

am111 profile image
4 Replies

Hello, I have B12 deficiency and hypothyroidism. My folate levels came back high in the range after some 5 months of supplementation. Should I continue folate/B-complex supplementation? I haven't really felt any difference with and without folate or B-complex supplementation, but I don't know for sure.

Any good links and research about this would really help. Thanks.

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am111
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Technoid profile image
Technoid

I think it depends. My folate was very over range after 4-5 months of supplementing prescription folic acid at 5mg a week. Once I realized I get on average about 1mg of folate a day (2.5x the RDA)in the diet, I realized it was senseless to supplement and stopped it entirely. If you have absorption issues it might be a different story (I did not).

I was never folate deficient (other than the functional folate deficiency caused by low B12).

am111 profile image
am111 in reply toTechnoid

Thanks. I probably don't need folic acid supplementation, but may continue for some time just to be on the safe side.

Sunnysidoop profile image
Sunnysidoop

My folate is high (above range) without supplementation,. Do you happen to know if that's a sign of hypothyroidism?

am111 profile image
am111 in reply toSunnysidoop

I know that hypothyroidism can lead to a less utilisation of B12 and when thyroid medicines are started, B12 reduces. Generally, B12 absorption is also affected by hypothyroidism, so I haven't seen high B12 levels being reported with hypothyroidism. For folate, it could be different, as possibly less thyroid levels leading to less metabolism could lead to less folate being used. In any case, I have not heard that high folate is toxic in any way, so don't worry. I am not expert in this though, so I may be wrong here.

For hypothyroidism, you should get your TSH, FT3 and FT4 tested. They are the most direct and clear indications of hypothyroidism. Have you got them tested? What are your numbers? Also, any symptoms of hypothyroidism? The common symptoms are: feeling sluggish, brain fog, indigestion, particularly constipation, dry skin etc.

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