Testing for b12

[Pearlteapot]

Hi. I am low in folate and have just started to supplement with methyfolate. My blood test suggests B 12 is fine but I’ve read that there are different tests for active B12 and total B12 I don’t know which one I had. Should I be doing a medichecks ‘active B12’ test?

If so, it says to stop b12 supplements for 6 days prior. Does that include stopping my folate supplements ? Sounds a bit stupid because folate is b9 but want to check.

I have tingling fingers, swollen ankles, brain fog and palpitations and want to rule out b12 deficiency as a cause

Thanks

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Pearlteapot

You have had Total B12 test, this is the one usually done with the GP. You can easily tell the difference between the two tests. Total B12 has a very wide range like yours - 160-925. Active B12 has a much smaller range, around 37.5-188.

You have a decent Total B12 level although this test doesn't differentiate between bound and unbound (free/active) B12 which is available for the cells to use. It is possible to have a good Total B12 level but a poor Active B12 level but it's up to you whether or not you wish to test Active B12. You wouldn't necessarily need to stop folate supplement before testing B12, just Biotin in any supplement (eg B Complex) as this gives false results. However, taking folate or folic acid before testing B12 when B12 deficiency is suspected can skew results.

I do wonder why you're taking a folate supplement rather than a B Complex which was recommended here:

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

and here:

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

The B vitamins need to be in balance and a B Complex will do that.

[Pearlteapot in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thanks for confirming, I think I’ll do it. I’m taking only folate because I was worried about high transferrin saturation rate (muddling up B vits and iron) and because my B12 results looked okay. I’ve only recently clued on to this total versus active B12 difference and read about the serious consequences of B12 deficiency. In short, I’m new to all this and not yet understanding it or getting it right. Despite advice ! Getting there. Slowly.

Ps Thorne B complex is arriving today but I’ll now wait a week and do the test.

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Pearlteapot]

Any excess B12, taken as a supplement, should be excreted so you don't have to worry about that, but it's the other B vitamins in the B Complex that are needed.

[Topsy33]

Hi Pearlteapot

Is your TSH really 71.10?

That looks high?

[Pearlteapot]

Yes, in March when diagnosed. Now down to around 15.