I'd be most grateful for your thoughts on blood test results received yesterday,
The background to my query: I have PA, diagnosed 18 months ago, and a number of other health conditions, including autoimmune hypothyroidism and connective tissue disorder. I have been receiving B12 injections, at 3 monthly intervals initially, adjusted by GP to 2 monthly after neurological symptoms were acknowledged.
Because of return of symptoms (ocular migraine attacks -- absent for over a year -- and balance difficulties) I have recently started having a B12 jab at local pharmacy to increase injection frequency rate to four weekly intervals. Because this regime has not had the desired effect, I asked for my folate levels to be checked. Results:
23-Apr-2024 ! B12/folate level - (CS1216) - B12 levels actually above normal range - could consider reducing injections to 3monthly if wishes..
I'm aware that there is little point in checking serum B12 levels once on B12 injections and did not request this. I hope I won't have to battle with GP over the suggestion of reducing the dose...
My take on the results are that folate is low, although not outside stated 'normal' range. I have decided to take folic acid. Thoughts on that and brand recommendations and dosage would be much appreciated. Because my diet is rich in folate, should I ask to be tested for coeliac disease? Also, the discrepancy between the 2 B vitamin levels seems large. Is that likely to be significant?
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skylark25
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Thanks for this helpful and speedy response, Nackapan. I will start taking folic acid and report back on the outcome. If my GP suggests reducing B12 jab frequency, I may well seek an appointment with a neurologist.
You could have an active B12 test which will tell you what your cell level/usable B12 is. I'm planning to do this in the next month or so. I inject EOD so the serum B12 level is off the scale. Which means very little if there is impaired absorption.
All of the tests can give clues and can even show a frank deficiency - some people are low in serum, some low in active, some show with antibodies, some with anaemia and methylmalonic acid or homocysteine....but at the end of the day, symptoms, history, family history (as metabolism is strongly genetic and epigenetic) have to be front and centre if the tests don't tie up with the reality.
See how you get on with the folic, which suits most people but not all. Some do better with folinic or methylfolate (like me). Hopefully your GP will ignore the nonsensical comment regarding B12 frequency. Best wishes
Sorry, missed the coeliac bit - yes if not already tested it is always a good idea, especially with other autoimmunity, but like B12 and thyroid testing, nothing definite about it as it can miss people (and you might be non-coeliac gluten sensitive anyway). You need to be eating plenty of wheat gluten, but if you are already off gluten and getting benefit, don't go back on for testing as it will just cause more damage. Best wishes
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Folate levels
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