Folic acid supplement prior to PA blood test.

[bflare]

I have ordered a private PA blood test which should be here shortly. I’ll be posting it back next week. I’m aware that it’s advisable not to take B12 supplements prior to a blood test but what about Folic acid as I was prescribed this by my GP a couple of days ago. Shall I hold off taking it until I’ve had the blood test?

[Nackapan]

You must've had a folate blood test to get the prescription.So it makes sense to start your supplements.

B12 if low ususlly taken first .

[bflare in reply to Nackapan]

Yes I had a blood test before Christmas. But I’ve paid for a private blood test as my GP didn’t do a IFAB. The private blood test includes folate again and I was wondering whether I should hold off taking the folic acid supplements until I’ve had this blood test.

[FlipperTD in reply to bflare]

Scientist, not medic.

You don't state what your B12 level was, but that might be helpful. In 'my' laboratory, [I'm retired] we would have automatically performed an IFAb as part of the process if your B12 was low enough, although that isn't [or wasn't] a widespread approach. From personal experience, the higher the B12 level, the lower the chance of finding a positive IFAb, although it has to start somewhere!

Good luck.

[bflare in reply to FlipperTD]

Hi there. Thanks for your reply.

My results are as follows and you will see a drop over a year.

May 2023

Serum vitamin B12 level 476 ng/L

Serum folate level 4.1 ug/L

December 2024

Serum vitamin B12 level 275 ng/L

Serum folate level 1.2 ug/L

Calcium-Bone Profile , Serum Ferritin - Normal

Apparently 275 is still classed as normal.

I don’t have any symptoms as such apart from stomach gurgling, pale stools and occasionally pins and needles in my right hand when I’m holding the car steering wheel but this was thought to be carpal tunnel.

Atrophic gastritis was picked up on a follow up endoscopy for coeliac disease.

[FlipperTD in reply to bflare]

You'd be unlikely to have any B12-related symptoms at that level, given you're untreated. Steering wheel pins and needles sounds familiar. I found mine went away when I managed to lose weight, but when the weight came back, so did the steering wheel issue. My GP neighbour advised me to live with it rather than opt for surgery at that stage.

Good luck and Happy New Year!

[Nackapan in reply to bflare]

Its good to know if folic acid kicking in surly.As a comparison to first result off supplements .

What was the earlier B12 and folate result 🤔

When my results low I just got going on B12 injections then folic acid to start recovery.

Only so much info from blood tests .

Concentrate on how you are feeling abd symptom relief.

[bflare in reply to Nackapan]

Hi there. Thanks for your reply.

My results are as follows and you will see a drop over a year.

May 2023

Serum vitamin B12 level 476 ng/L

Serum folate level 4.1 ug/L

December 2024

Serum vitamin B12 level 275 ng/L

Serum folate level 1.2 ug/L

Calcium-Bone Profile , Serum Ferritin - Normal

Apparently 275 is still classed as normal.

I don’t have any symptoms as such apart from stomach gurgling, pale stools and occasionally pins and needles in my right hand when I’m holding the car steering wheel but this was thought to be carpal tunnel.

Atrophic gastritis was picked up on a follow up endoscopy for coeliac disease.