Under range b12 / folate...

[Sarahlouise1980]

Hi,

Having various blood tests to see if there is a cause for my hairloss, blood tests for b12 and folate have both come back under range:

Vitamin B12

119ng/L (150.0 - 900.0)

Folate

2.3ug/L (3.1 - 19.9)

Could these be behind the sudden hair loss? I’m going back to see the doctor tomorrow, what treatment should I expect?

Thank you

Sarah

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Here is an article about vitamin deficiencies and hair loss

hubpages.com/health/16-Vita...

With both folate and B12 below range, make sure your GP tests you for B12 deficiency/pernicious anaemia.

He should prescribe folic acid for the folate deficiency but don't start taking that until further testing of B12 has been done and you have started B12 injections/supplements. Taking it before further testing will mask signs of B12 deficiency.

[Nanaedake]

Your Dr should investigate autoimmune causes like pernicious anaemia and coeliac disease. Once the cause is known, you need the correct treatment. With such low B12 you'll likely need injections but your doctor will advise. Whatever you do, make sure you pursue this because low B12 is a serious condition.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

The fact you are extremely deficient in B12 and folate, deficiency in vitamin D and on continuous iron supplements suggests very poor gut function

Presumably you have autoimmune thyroid disease also called Hashimoto's diagnosed by high TPO and/or high TG antibodies

Are you on strictly gluten free diet?

If not, GP should do blood test for coeliac disease

Hashimoto's frequently affects the gut and leads to low stomach acid and then low vitamin levels

Low vitamin levels affect Thyroid hormone working -often results in blood tests appearing to show over medication.

Poor gut function can lead leaky gut (literally holes in gut wall) this can cause food intolerances. Most common by far is gluten. Dairy is second most common.

According to Izabella Wentz the Thyroid Pharmacist approx 5% with Hashimoto's are coeliac, but over 80% find gluten free diet helps, sometimes significantly. Either due to direct gluten intolerance (no test available) or due to leaky gut and gluten causing molecular mimicry (see Amy Myers link)

Changing to a strictly gluten free diet may help reduce symptoms, help gut heal and slowly lower TPO antibodies

While still eating high gluten diet ask GP for coeliac blood test first or buy test online for under £20, just to rule it out first

Assuming test is negative you can immediately go on strictly gluten free diet




(If test is positive you will need to remain on high gluten diet until endoscopy, maximum 6 weeks wait officially)




Trying gluten free diet for 3-6 months. If no noticeable improvement then reintroduce gluten and see if symptoms get worse

chriskresser.com/the-gluten...

amymyersmd.com/2018/04/3-re...

thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...

scdlifestyle.com/2014/08/th...

drknews.com/changing-your-d...

restartmed.com/hashimotos-g...

Your thyroid levels should improve as vitamin levels become optimal

Ask GP to do full iron panel. You can have normal ferritin and low iron

Low zinc also can cause hair loss