Supplement Folate or Vitamin B12 First

[lucylocks]

Hi

I stopped supplementing B complex with Folate and Vitamin B12 a few months ago as I was feeling quite anxious and read sometimes the wrong type of B Vits can sometimes cause this.

My thyroid levels are

TSH 0.5 range 0.49 - 4.67

FT4 21.1 range 12 - 22

FT3 5.2 range 3.1 - 6.8

I take 125mcg. levo. daily

I have now had Folate and Vitamin B12 tested and

Folate came back at 8.1 nmol/L range 8.83 - 60.8

Vitamin B12 Total 355 pmol/L range 300 - 569

Vitamin B12 Active 66 pmol/L range 37.5 - 188

Folate is below range and I do eat plenty of folate rich food, total and active B12 low end of range,

I need to start supplementing again, but which should I take first B-Complex with folate or the B12.

I have always taken Methly Folate and B12 before as have read this is the best to take, but also have heard this does not always suit some people.

Any advice would be gratefully received.

Thank you.

[Hidden]

You should always have good levels of B12 and B2 (riboflavin) before you start working on folate. Folate cycling requires both those vitamins to work. The best way to supplement B12 is via transdermal oils, unless you have regular injections. Sublingual or oral routes only provide very small absorption. B2 (in its active form as FAD - flavin dinucleotide) is essential for the functioning of B12. There are over 100 enzymes in your body that use FAD so you can see how important it is. Vitamin B2 is rarely mentioned but is in fact central to having a healthy thyroid, amongst other things.

As your folate is at the bottom of the range, you are likely B2 deficient. The best way to assess this is to do an Organic Acids Test (OAT) but it's quite expensive. Instead you can really just assume that you are, and make sure you are taking a supplement. Also foods that are rich in B2 (eggs, organ meat, leafy green veg, grains, dairy).

[lucylocks in reply to Hidden]

Many thanks for your interesting reply, I have never seen B2 mentioned before.

So should I start with a good B-Complex which will contain B2 and folate and then after a week or so add B12 ?

Can you recommend a Transdermal B12 oil, I have only ever use sublingual spray and lozengers before.

I do actually eat all the foods you mention that are rich in B2 but obviously I need to supplement.

Best wishes.

[Hidden in reply to lucylocks]

The transdermal B12 oil I use is produced by: b12oils.com/ It's not cheap, but one bottle lasts for 2 months (if you are on the full dose, you should build up to it slowly). You'd want to get the Adenosyl/methyl B12 oil mix.

[lucylocks in reply to Hidden]

Many thanks.