B12 and folate

[Abik]

Just wondering if B12 and folate are ok and that the folic acid 5mg is sufficient? Thanks

Folate 2.3 (2.5 - 19.5) given folic acid 5mg after this result

Vitamin B12 228 (190 - 900)

[Saggyuk]

It appears you're low and deficient in many things going by your other post? Is there any reason for this - do you eat enough or have stomach/digestive issues?

Your B12 looks too low and should ideally be over 500 and are possibly deficient. Personally, I wouldn't take the folate until you've had this investigated further as can make B12 deficiency and it's symptoms worse (damage can be permanent) if you treat folate deficiency before a B12 deficiency.

[Abik in reply to Saggyuk]

Thanks for reply, I don't think I eat enough of the right things simply because I can't afford to eat a healthy diet but I have stomach and digestive issues as well.

[Saggyuk in reply to Abik]

No you're not an anomaly lol - just had crappy docs who are not helping. You need to read as much as you can so you can say NO to the docs when they do absolutely ridiculous things like dropping your thyroid meds by that much - clearly has no idea! Should only ever reduce or increase by 25mcg levo max with retests after 6-8 weeks.

Well ESR and CRP are only indicators and doesn't mean it isn't there and plasma viscosity is an inflammation marker plus suspected B12 deficiency can cause raised ferritin.

All these nutritional deficiencies will impact your thyroids ability to function too. You might want to get a thyroid antibody check too to see if autoimmune or not because not eating enough can cause thyroid problems rather than autoimmunity so would be good to check.

I've been a single mum on benefits and both myself and my child ate healthily so you must be aware on some level that's a little bit of an excuse - sorry to be blunt lol. However, if you have other problems with your stomach which make you tired and have low appetite - I do understand as have been there myself.

The first thing you need to do is sort your food intake out and investigate the stomach issues as if you have absorption issues, the supplements wont help much either which is prob why ferritin went up when you had an injection rather than the meds as bypasses your stomach. I'll be honest, with the thyroid and nutritional deficiencies including low calcium, the likely inflammation, your descriptions, my first and foremost suspicion would be coeliacs disease. You should be tested for this but bear in mind testing is unreliable (as stated on the NHS website) so a negative blood test doesn't rule this out and it doesn't rule out non-coeliac gluten sensitivity. You could try a gluten free diet for three months to see if you have any improvements but must be 100% gluten free including cross contamination and for at least three months - sometimes longer. But get the coeliacs testing first as you must be eating gluten to test positive. If nothing comes of these tests or you don't want to wait, try the three month trial anyway. A large proportion of thyroid peeps on here have gluten intolerance anyway. I had all your problems exactly for many years, it has all gone since going GF so well worth a try and have nothing to lose.

If this doesn't work, you could try an elimination diet to check for other intolerance like dairy or request a referral to a gastroenterologist for further investigation as there are a few other stomach issues that will cause these problems.

Ask to be tested for pernicious anaemia too before starting the folate and if this comes back negative, supplement B12 anyway before taking the folate. B12 deficiency can cause permanent damage to your brain and nervous system etc so not to be ignored and unlike iron and Vit D, you can't really overdose on B12 as is water soluble vitamin and you basically pee any excess out. Maybe 5000mcg methylcobalamin a day until results are optimal although others here can give you a better recommendation on exactly what to take and for how long.

Hope you feel better soon

[Abik in reply to Saggyuk]

I think I have Hashimotos.

TPO antibody 304.5 (<34)

TG antibody 376.3 (<115)

[Saggyuk in reply to Abik]

Yes you do Many hashis on here find a gluten free diet helps reduce antibodies and feel better anyway

[Nanaedake in reply to Abik]

Please post your B12 and folate results along with your symptoms and some background information including diet etc on the HealthUnlocked Pernicious Anaemia forum. They should be able to give you the best advice. Don't supplement the folate before seeking their advice.

From what I've read, the folic acid supplements could mask a B12 deficiency and you should start supplementing B12 first before starting the folic acid supplements. Please check with the Pernicious Anemia forum and then return and discuss it with your doctor and ensure you get the correct treatment.

If in the UK, your doctor may not provide supplements for B12 as your result is just within the NHS range and you may have to source your own. You should also take a good B complex along with the B12 to keep all the B's in balance. You should be able to find an inexpensive B complex.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Saggyuk]

Endo reduced dose from 150 to 50 and she's now hypo & has Hashimotos

Hence dire results

[Saggyuk in reply to SlowDragon]

Yes but she's also been iron deficient for years even when more approriately treated for thyroid and low calcium - plus iron injections did more than iron pills so I believe something else going on with stomach and absorption - possibly more than just relating to thyroid

[Saggyuk in reply to Saggyuk]

And unexplained weightloss is highly indicative of a stomach issue like coeliacs too x

[SlowDragon Administrator]

You had Levo dose cut from 150mcg to 50mcg - now very under medicated

You also have Hashimotos and both these together significantly reduced gut function

Again see SeasideSusie vitamin advice

You may need testing for Pernicious Anaemia before starting on B12 sublingual lozenges and good vitamin B complex