Serum Folate - advice needed

[NIC777]

Hi!

I received my results from Blue Horizon today and I was convinced I would have a thyroid issue as my T4 was low on my NHS test. Anyway the notes from the BH doctor said by serum folate was low and needed supplementing 6.46 (8.83-60.8).

I rang my GP and they said it was fine and just to google some foods high in folic acid. My MCH level was also out of range 32.6 (27-32).

Does this mean I have anemia? I suffer from extreme fatigue and brain fog but the doctors keep insisting it’s emotional health even though my bloods from BH say otherwise.

Unsure what to do next...please help xx

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Please can you add photo of all results..or type them in including ranges

[NIC777 in reply to SlowDragon]

Hi I just added the BH test results

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Link re High MCH

healthline.com/health/mch#h...

Folate is deficient and B12 is very low

Do you have symptoms of Low B12

b12deficiency.info/signs-an...

Ideally GP should test for Pernicious Anaemia

supplementing a good quality daily vitamin B complex, one with folate in (not folic acid) may be beneficial.

This can help keep all B vitamins in balance and would also improve low B12 levels

chriskresser.com/folate-vs-...

Many Hashimoto’s patients have MTHFR gene variation and can have trouble processing folic acid.

thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...

B vitamins best taken after breakfast

Igennus Super B is good quality and cheap vitamin B complex. Contains folate. Full dose is two tablets per day. Many/most people may only need one tablet per day. Certainly only start on one per day (or even half tablet per day for first couple of weeks)

Or Thorne Basic B or jarrow B-right are other options that contain folate, but both are large capsules

If you are taking vitamin B complex, or any supplements containing biotin, remember to stop these 7 days before any blood tests, as biotin can falsely affect test results

endo.confex.com/endo/2016en...

endocrinenews.endocrine.org...

What vitamin supplements are you currently taking?

Are you currently taking vitamin D?

Suggest you retest thyroid levels in 2-3 months....

[NIC777 in reply to SlowDragon]

Hi

I am not currently taking any supplements. I do have symptoms of low B12. I have fatigue, confusion/brain fog, struggle to lose weight and depression.

My NHS B12 result was 177ng/L (145-910)

I would really like to be referred as my GP keeps telling me it’s in my head! I cannot get through a day without going to lie down and rest. I’m exhausted constantly and feel everyone is losing patience with me. I’m desperate to get better x

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to NIC777]

Take these folate and B12 results to PAS Healthunlocked...they are the pernicious anaemia specialists

healthunlocked.com/pasoc

Your NHS result on B12 level is extremely low

Do NOT start taking any B vitamins of any sort until had full testing for Pernicious Anaemia

See different GP

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to NIC777]

Come back with new post once you see GP again ....if they won’t test you

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to NIC777]

What’s your diet like...are you vegetarian or vegan?

[NIC777 in reply to SlowDragon]

Hi, no I eat a very clean varied diet as I am a competing athlete (at least I use to be

I eat a lot of fish, shellfish, white meat and veg. Also a lot of pulses and grains. X

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to NIC777]

Ok ....good

Look at increasing B12 rich foods

healthline.com/nutrition/vi...

We get hundreds of vegetarian/vegans on here ...taking no supplements and who are then surprised they have low B12 (And frequently low iron too)

[NIC777]

Hi! Thanks for your comment. What should B12 be? I want my GP to refer me to a specialist but not sure how to push this

[NIC777]

Thanks x