I’m very confused because they are in different units to the tests at my doctors! Have they improved? How do I work it out?
For B12 and Folate use this calculator to work out the percentage through range. Units don't matter, just look at the percentage to know if you've improved or not.
Result goes in wynik, bottom of range goes in norma od, top of range goes in do
Press Oblicz to calculate
Total B12 and Active B12 are different tests so you can't do a comparison as they measure different things. Total B12 measures both bound and unbound (active) B12. Active B12 measures - as you'd expect - just Active B12. lt's the Active B12 test which is the better test as it measures what's available to be used by the cells. Your Active B12 level is good. However, with a Total B12 level of 119 ng/L (150-900) you really should have been tested for B12 deficiency and pernicious anaemia back then.
You don't know what your Active B12 level was before because it was a different test, so, you can't compare the tests.
Was the test for intrinsic factor done before supplementing for B12 and Folate? From what I understand it can give false negatives. They'll know more on the Pernicious Anaemia forum here on HealthUnlocked.
Yes, I understood that it was negative from your previous reply. I asked if that test was done before starting supplementing B12 and folic acid. I also said that I understand the test isn't that reliable as it can give false negatives.
Sorry, yes it was taken before I started supplementing. If I’ve understood information on the PA forum correctly, if i indeed had got PA I wouldn’t be able to absorb b12 from supplements x
As the Active B12 test is the better test, and your level is good at 118, it would seem to be OK where it is.
You were Folate deficient when it was 2.3 (3.1-19.9). Folate is recommended to be at least half way through range. I think the Thriva range is 8.83-60.8, according to this previous post healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...
So with your current level of 36.6 nmol/L, it's over half way (which is 34.8) so it's OK.
However, I'm very surprised that Folate deficiency could improve to such an extent after just 4 weeks of taking folic acid.
Is it possible that the Thriva results could be wrong (eg did you take Biotin or a B Complex containing Biotin in the week before the test, this can give false results with some blood tests). If you are sure they are correct then I would imagine that taking a good quality B Complex containing methylfolate and methylcobalamin may improve your current levels or at least maintain them.
This article about hairloss and vitamin deficiencies may be of interest:
I only took a months worth of 5mg folic acid and the Jarrows 1000mcg for three weeks. Nothing containing biotin. On the test however my free T4 came back as very high at 30.1 I know I have been purposely taking too much Levothyroxine. Could this affect my b12/folate/ferritin level? Ferritin came back slightly over range when usually it’s well within range on my gp’s tests x
I find it difficult to believe that a month's worth of folic acid and 3 weeks' worth of B12 can improve levels to such an extent. However, I'm not an expert on B12.
I doubt that too much Levo could affect B12/folate/Ferritin to such an extent, but that's just my opinion.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
B12 - Folate & Ferritin Test Results
First Blood Test Results
Medichecks blood test results
Blood test results
Medicheck results advice/help
