B12 and Folic Acid: I am sure I saw a... - SHARE Metastatic ...

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B12 and Folic Acid

27 Replies

I am sure I saw a post on somebody taking these two supplements and I am wondering what dosage you take. I have checked and there are no interactions with any of my meds. I have been more exhausted than usual and bruising a lot easier so I’m assuming my platelets are low and I’m hoping these will help bring them up. Thanks.

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27 Replies
MyMiracle13 profile image
MyMiracle13

Hello. I read that too. When I was initially diagnosed with BC in 2012, I was taking a B12 supplement prescribed by my onc to prevent neuropathy.

I continued till about a month ago when a serum B12 test revealed that I was way over the normal range. High normal was 800 and mine was 1,312. Maybe before you start, ask for a blood test to see where your levels are.

in reply to MyMiracle13

I will ask when I see my oncologist. I’m not sure if it is part of my normal blood work. I used to take one but stopped a couple of weeks ago as I assumed it wasn’t working but I’ve been so tired lately I think it might have been working.

in reply to

Hi Sarcie,

I had my vitamin B12 levels checked a few months ago (I was experiencing peripheral neuropathy) and the tests came back normal, so my GP would not offer me vitamin B12 injections. My oncologist suggested getting it from food. Nutritional yeast and marmite are good sources of vitamin B12. I can't speak for folate though.

Sophie

in reply to

I’m not sure what marmite is as we don’t have it in Canada but I have read about people eating it in books lol.

Mindysooty profile image
Mindysooty in reply to

hahaha good luck describing Marmite Sophie :).

In fact, I've Googled it for you. Here you go -

"Marmite is a British food spread produced by Unilever. Marmite is made from yeast extract, a by-product of beer brewing. Other similar products include the Australian Vegemite, the Swiss Cenovis, and the German Vitam-R.".

in reply to Mindysooty

Sounds interesting lol

Barbteeth profile image
Barbteeth in reply to

It’s called Vegimite in Australia but not sure in Canada

I love marmite on toast

Barb xx

in reply to Barbteeth

I don’t think we have the equivalent in Canada.

in reply to

OK, here goes! I hope I do it justice. Marmite is a yeast extract product. It looks like black tar, and has a thick consistency. You can add it to toast, or crumpets. In the adverts, it's touted as something you either love or hate! It's rich in vitamin B12. Here's a picture:

sainsburys.co.uk/shop/gb/gr...

Sophie x

in reply to

If I’m ever back to England I will try it. I must say the description doesn’t sound appetizing lol

in reply to

Yes, you will have to! I must admit I am not a huge Marmite fan. The only way I like it is when I eat Marmite flavoured twiglets (they look like twigs). Whereabouts in England were you?

Sophie x

in reply to

I visited my niece in Birmingham and we were in London for a bit and of course I had to go to Stonehenge. She was living there teaching but is back in Canada now.

in reply to

I hope you had a good time in Birmingham (did you visit Cadbury World?) Stonehenge and London, Sarcie. What a nice opportunity you and your niece had to travel. I've been to Canada a few times. I think it's a lovely country.

Sophie x

in reply to

Yes. I made sure to get to Cadbury world. Lol. I love my chocolate. I live in Nova Scotia on the east coast of Canada. We have pretty views but we just don’t have any old building alike England does. I love the character that England offers.

in reply to

Thank you! Living by the coast comes with its own charms. I live an hour from the North Sea (it's not warm enough to swim in the sea!) We went to the beach earlier this month and even though it was a hot day at home by the time we had reached the beach it was cold.

Sophie ❤

Thank you.

Barbteeth profile image
Barbteeth

I’m anaemic all the time and my oncologist told me to take folic acid and B12... my GP prescribed it and as I’m now 65 I get free prescriptions on nhs...a bonusIt does help with energy levels

Barb xx

in reply to Barbteeth

Thanks. I need the boost.

Mindysooty profile image
Mindysooty in reply to Barbteeth

Shut the back door!!!! 65. I saw your photo the other day. No way. Honestly, I'm shocked. You do not look 65.

mariootsi profile image
mariootsi

Sarcie,

I get B12 shots from my palliative care doc every month and take 1mg folic acid daily for my fatigue.

in reply to mariootsi

Awesome. I just started 1mg of folic acid and my b12 are 1200. I’m hoping they help the fatigue and the bruising.

mariootsi profile image
mariootsi in reply to

Hope it helps you! This fatigue is not fun when you are used to having alot of energy!

Mindysooty profile image
Mindysooty

thanks for that info Sandra, I'm about to ask about B12 so I'll have this dose in mind.

blms profile image
blms

Ladies, do yourself a favor and get a b12 shot! More effective and it works quickly, I now get mine once a month

blms profile image
blms

Both my oncologist and primary are fine Ruth the shot. And I have no deficiencies in b12 and I also get my levels checked every quarter. No problem!

Felish48 profile image
Felish48

I take 1000mcg of folic acid, 325 of ferrous sulfate, and 5000 mcg of B12. I take all of these to help my Anemia.

in reply to Felish48

I tried the iron supplements but some of my other meds also cause constipation and the iron made it horrible. I feel better knowing others are taking the same things.

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