folic

[Kowbie]

I keep reading that folic isn’t very good , I’m just wondering if I should keep taking the ones I have , they were prescribed by my dr , or do you think I should stop taking them thankyou for your help

[greygoose]

Let's rather say that they're not the easiest to absorb. Methylfolate is better. But doctors prescribe folic acid because it's cheaper. Come to that, just taking folate by itself isn't good, either, because the Bs all work together, and need to be kept balanced. Far better to take a good B complex with all the Bs. Thorne Basic B is a good one.

[Kowbie in reply to greygoose]

Thankyou for coming back to me so promptly, I am taking Thorne b complex so should I stop the folic do you think, thanks again

[greygoose in reply to Kowbie]

I think that would be a good idea, yes. You'll be getting enough folate from the B complex. The folic acid won't add anything useful to that.

[Kowbie in reply to greygoose]

Thanks for your help sleep well x

[greygoose in reply to Kowbie]

Thank you. You, too.

[LindaC in reply to Kowbie]

Thanks, think I'll change to that! xox

[Starmen in reply to greygoose]

I was prescribed folic acid by my hospital consultant many years ago as I take methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis.It is 5mg weekly . I have been taking Thorne Basic B and a sublingual b12 after reading advice on here . Should I continue with the weekly dose of Folic Acid. ?

[greygoose in reply to Starmen]

Doubt you need it. When was it last tested?

[Starmen in reply to greygoose]

It's tested every 3 months It is automatically prescribed along side metherexate as folic acid can be depleted by the metherexate .

[greygoose in reply to Starmen]

Well, yes, but that doesn't mean you need it, because you will be getting quite enough of a form that is better absorbed, from the B complex. But, carry on taking it, if you wish. Doubt it's doing you any harm.

Do you get print-outs of your blood test results? Do you know what level it is?

[Danielj1 in reply to greygoose]

I wonder if you can help me - if my B12 is ok , is there any need to take a broad b vits - I have tried them over many years on and off and never really convinced they help me ...in a way that selenium/zinc/magnesium/D seem essential day in day out ? Thanks

[greygoose in reply to Danielj1]

What do you mean by 'ok'? That's not the same as optimal.

[Danielj1 in reply to greygoose]

Last b12 test was above the very top end of the range (just)

[Kowbie in reply to greygoose]

Well I haven’t had vitamins tested this year , so I don’t have any of those that are up to date , was going to get in touch with my dr to see if they will do my vitamins, if not I’ll have to have them privately done thanks

[Kowbie in reply to greygoose]

I’m sorry greygoose I’ve just replied to you about results, and I’ve noticed it wasn’t for me , ( I do get in some muddles ) sorry

[greygoose in reply to Kowbie]

No problem.

[Kowbie in reply to greygoose]

Thanks

[Starmen in reply to greygoose]

I have never had a print out of the results from the hospital who treat my rheumatoid it is out of my area I get results for all other tests from local hospitals and gp via the NHS app . I will have to request a copies

[greygoose in reply to Starmen]

Yes. If you are in the UK, it is your legal right to have a copy.

[Starmen in reply to greygoose]

🙂👍

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Kowbie

If your folic acid is prescribed by your doctor then presumably you were diagnosed with folate deficiency? I doubt they would prescribe it otherwise. The usual treatment for folate deficiency is a shortish course (maybe 3-6 months) of folic acid at a dose of, I believe, 5mg daily.

Folic acid is synthetic and our bodies have to convert it to the bioavailable form - folate. Many of us can do this without problems, some of us can't and need the converted form.

Also your doctor should check your level when the course is finished. Is this what your doctor is doing? If so then it might be wise to finish the course, check that your folate level is now back in range, in which case your prescription may be withdrawn, then continue with a B Complex which contains 400mcg melthylfolate which is the amount said that is needed to maintain your folate level.

If not already done then I would get your folate level checked before ditching the folic acid and taking just the Thorne Basic B, if your level still shows folate deficiency then the Thorne Basic B may not contain enough folate to address the deficiency.

[Kowbie in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thankyou for replying to me , I think I’ll have to. Contact the dr and ask about when they will check how I’m doing as I must have been on folic acid about 10 months now and not heard anything from them , I do take Thorne b complex #12 , it’s just for months I’ve had itchy skin , and head didn’t know whether it’s a vitamin deficiency or what but thanks for replying.

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Kowbie]

How much of the Thorne B Complex #12 are you taking, it says 1-3 capsules daily.

We tend to suggest Thorne Basic B here.

[Kowbie in reply to SeasideSusie]

I’m just taking 1 a day , have I ordered the wrong ones , I’ve just ordered 2 more bottles, I think it will be to late to change but thankyou

[Starling87]

I was prescribed folic acid by the NHS and it didn't raise my levels at all after a few months of taking it. Methylfolate worked a charm however. So if your blood works aren't showing any improvement, I would switch to methylfolate.

Or like others here have pointed out, maybe consider a good B complex (as long as there's enough methylfolate in the dose of course, otherwise you might have to take extra alongside)

[Kowbie in reply to Starling87]

Thankyou, I do take Thorne b complex #12 as well , I’m going to get in touch with the dr I think thankyou

[Valeriu]

I have used Thorne's B #12 and the Stress one....they both have B6 as P-5-P and folate

[Kowbie in reply to Valeriu]

Thankyou for your reply I am taking Thorne b complex #12 , as well

[Valeriu]

The best !