I had my folate checked and my level came back as 2.9ng (3.1ng - 19.9ng reference range) Doctor said not to worry about it as it was only slightly under range. My question is even though I have B12 injections should my folate be in range and should the doctor treat me even though it's only slightly under? Also more recently I have been getting headaches and dizziness with vertigo could this be due to the slightly low folate?
sorry for so many questions and thank you in advance for any help on advice.
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Purplestaffie
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Thorne Basic B recommended vitamin B complex that contains folate, but they are large capsules. (You can tip powder out if can’t swallow capsule)
IMPORTANT......If you are taking vitamin B complex, or any supplements containing biotin, remember to stop these 7 days before ALL BLOOD TESTS , as biotin can falsely affect test results
I would suggest treating this yourself, if possible. Your doctor is likely to just prescribe folic acid, if he prescribed anything, and folic acid is not the best supplement to raise folate.
Personally I take methylfolate 1000mcg, four days per week on top of Thorne Research Basic B (which is a B Complex product). Unfortunately I have difficulty keeping my folate level where I want it so I have to take extra methylfolate on top of the Basic B.
Another issue is that to make use of vitamin B12 the body needs adequate levels of folate.
And another important fact... Low folate can cause anaemia.
We see members with identified folate deficiency treated in two ways. Approach 1: Like you, told it doesn't really matter, you are only slightly under. Approach 2: Prescribe 5 milligram doses of folic acid either for a defined time or indefinitely. Then stopping.
Both are hopeless.
Of course it matters. The reference intervals exist for good reason. They are not arbitrary. (Though we can always discuss exactly where to place the dividing line.)
Ignoring is simple ineptitude.
Prescribing 5 milligrams is simply because that is the dose they can prescribe! It is a high dose - more than most of us need. Even if justified, the majority only need it for a while (one to three months) to enable folate levels to recover. Then doctors will often stop it entirely. Or change to something like once weekly.
But if you became low in folate, you will probably do so again!
In my view, a continuing low dose might make all the difference. Typically 400 micrograms which you can buy from many sources. Enough to keep your level up but not overdo it.
If you are taking a nice, steady, low dose for a long time, you will reach an equilibrium. A test will show where you are.
If you are jumping between high dose and nothing, you will always be somewhere between high and low and likely always moving between one and the other. Tests can be misleading.
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