Low folate: Hi all not been on here for a while... - Thyroid UK

Thyroid UK

138,296 members162,221 posts

Low folate

Spotydave profile image
39 Replies

Hi all not been on here for a while..but good to be back.Ive been having tingling and calf twitching. After a holiday. On holiday i did pull my back.. and also straight after thr holiday i had a big shock.i thought my daughter had been taken. This involved my parents..so a huge shock which im still struggling with everyday.. after this i got twitching calves... Ive just had bloods done.. all other tests seem except for low folate..4.5 ug/l. Range 4.8-19.0

Tex message from doc said go to chemist and get some folate... (Tybical)

B12 ... 404ng/l range..189-883

I have hashi/thyroid..

What is the best to take to raise this?

methyl folate??

Thank you

Written by
Spotydave profile image
Spotydave
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
39 Replies
SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

How much levothyroxine are you currently taking

Low vitamin levels suggests you’re perhaps not on high enough dose

You have Hashimoto’s

Important to test vitamin D and ferritin too

Are you currently supplementing vitamin D

low folate and low B12

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

This can help keep all B vitamins in balance and will help improve B12 levels too

Difference between folate and folic acid 

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

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 5-7 days before ALL BLOOD TESTS , as biotin can falsely affect test results

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

endocrinenews.endocrine.org...

In week before blood test, when you stop vitamin B complex, you might want to consider taking a separate methyl folate supplement and continue separate B12

 

Low B12 symptoms 

b12deficiency.info/signs-an...

methyl-life.com/blogs/defic...

With serum B12 result below 500, (Or active B12 below 70) recommended to be taking a B12 supplement as well as a B Complex (to balance all the B vitamins) initially for first 2-4 months.

once your serum B12 is over 500 (or Active B12 level has reached 70), stop the B12 and just carry on with the B Complex.

B12 drops 

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

B12 sublingual lozenges 

amazon.co.uk/Jarrow-Methylc...

cytoplan.co.uk/shop-by-prod...

B12 range in U.K. is too wide

Interesting that in this research B12 below 400 is considered inadequate 

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Spotydave profile image
Spotydave in reply to SlowDragon

Hi slow dragon... Nice to hear from you again .Ferritin was also tested ...

130 ugl range 22-275

I take 100mcg a day.

Vit d should be good it was above range last time. I usually take aprox 10.000 units aday woth be good spray...

The b complex i was taking is igennus super b complex

But it does have vit c ....

I eat plenty of cheese... organic eggs everyday... And nuts . I was using a b12 spray ...

I havnt used them for a couple of months..

My TSH 0.9 range 0.4-5. But we all know that doesn't mean much with out other thyroid tests . This is al from nhs tests..

I had full blood counts aswell. All in range

And hbA1c normal

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply to Spotydave

We now recommend Thorne Basic B complex

Doesn’t contain vitamin C

Currently cheapest on eBay £18 ……but is normally available on Amazon

Obviously you need to test TSH, Ft4 and Ft3

If you can get GP to test vitamins at least once year …..then cheapest option for just TSH, FT4 and FT3

£29 (via NHS private service ) and 10% off down to £26.10 if go on thyroid uk for code

thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...

monitormyhealth.org.uk/

Or full thyroid and vitamin testing once a year

Medichecks Thyroid plus antibodies and vitamins

medichecks.com/products/adv...

Blue Horizon Thyroid Premium Gold includes antibodies, cortisol and vitamins

bluehorizonbloodtests.co.uk...

Are you on strictly gluten free diet?

Have you tried dairy free?

Spotydave profile image
Spotydave in reply to SlowDragon

I will order the thorne... Do u recommend to get b12 drops aswell or just the thorne?Not gluten free.

Or dairy free..

I have tried gluten free and no dairy and didnt seem to make a difference.. but i use the keto diet so gluten will go very low

Im now back into better eating again as i have let it go due to a very bad personal time... And still going through it. basically lost my parents and my daughter.. (not passed away) so i have had a huge shock and im struggling with this now... So the body has definitely suffered huge shock.. i did wonder if this could of had an efect.

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply to Spotydave

yes…a separate B12 as well initially…..until B12 is over 500

Sorry your having such tough time

Thyroid often gets worse during emotional, stressful times ……puts adrenals under pressure

Spotydave profile image
Spotydave in reply to SlowDragon

Thank you. What b12 do you recommend?? I was using better you spray.... .same as d3 thats better you aswell

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply to Spotydave

I use these B12 drops 

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

alternatively

B12 sublingual lozenges 

amazon.co.uk/Jarrow-Methylc...

or

cytoplan.co.uk/shop-by-prod...

B12 range in U.K. is too wide

Interesting that in this research B12 below 400 is considered inadequate 

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

How other member saw how effective improving low B vitamins has been 

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Spotydave profile image
Spotydave in reply to SlowDragon

Hi slow dragon.. i have the drops now... Do you recommend i use the standard dose as recommended or up the dose to start??Im also waiting for the thorne to arrive..

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply to Spotydave

yes

Start B12

Wait at least a week-10 days before adding vitamin B complex

Spotydave profile image
Spotydave in reply to SlowDragon

So dont take thr complex yet?? And should i take the recommended dose of b12 or should i take a higher dose to get it going??

Can i ask . Why do you have to wait 10days before taking thr complex?

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply to Spotydave

just take recommended dose B12

Level will increase nicely

Always only add/change one thing at a time

Otherwise if you get very good improvement (or bad reaction) you won’t know what is causing it

Retest thyroid and vitamin levels 2-3 months after adding last vitamin supplement

Spotydave profile image
Spotydave in reply to SlowDragon

Cheers slowdragon This might seem a.silly question... But my folate is very low... So which one do i work on 1st ?? I thought the folate would be more important

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply to Spotydave

B12 first …..because adding folate first can exacerbate neurological damage of low B12

Spotydave profile image
Spotydave in reply to SlowDragon

Oh i see.. i never new that lol its great thr gp sends you a message to buy some folate from the chemist... Thsts it.... No re check no nothing... Unbelievable... But totally believable

Spotydave profile image
Spotydave in reply to SlowDragon

Hi slow dragon.... Ive been using the b12 drops.... For 8days now....would you say ok to take the thorne Folate now aswell ??

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply to Spotydave

yes

Spotydave profile image
Spotydave in reply to SlowDragon

Brilliant thanks.... Any ideas why my folate would go so low to go out of range? Is this common?? I did suffer a huge shock ..but i had been taking b complex any way. And eat eggs cheese spinach etc .So i cant understand why it would be so low .

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply to Spotydave

Extremely common…we see people turn up here all the time with terrible vitamin levels

posts that mention folate deficient

healthunlocked.com/search/p...

Spotydave profile image
Spotydave in reply to SlowDragon

Any ideas why people get folate so low?? Is there any evidence?? Hashi??

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply to Spotydave

on replacement thyroid hormones, even if optimally medicated….it’s never as good as your own thyroid working correctly

When hypothyroid (even fractionally) frequently stomach acid levels drop, this leads to poor nutrient absorption and low vitamin levels as direct result (regardless of how good your diet might be)

with Hashimoto’s, gluten intolerant and/or dairy intolerance are other complications too

Unfortunately many GP’s have little idea how closely gut function and Hashimoto’s are intertwined

For levothyroxine to work well we need optimal vitamin levels, this frequently means supplementing to maintain at GOOD Levels ….usually vitamin D and vitamin B complex pretty much continuously

If levels B12 have dropped low, a separate B12 too for first few months

Many Hashimoto’s patients, especially if vegetarian and/or female pre menopause …..low iron/ferritin extremely common issues

Spotydave profile image
Spotydave in reply to SlowDragon

Thats great information thank you . Makes.more sense now...

lovelab profile image
lovelab in reply to SlowDragon

sorry to but in. But is Vit C not recommended then?

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply to lovelab

vitamin C with B12 or with vitamin B complex possibly reduces absorption of B12

singlecare.com/blog/what-vi...

But according to this article might improve absorption of folate/folic acid

livestrong.com/article/4633...

If you have high iron/ferritin vitamin c may increase absorption of iron raising levels

Obviously many thyroid patients have low iron and vitamin C might be beneficial……but perhaps take vitamin C away from vitamin B complex

Spotydave profile image
Spotydave in reply to lovelab

I think the vit can cause an issue with b12 if together

greygoose profile image
greygoose

The best would be a B complex containing methylcobalamin (B12, because yours is also low) and about 400 mcg methylfolate. All the Bs work together so need to be kept balanced. Thorne Basic B is a good one. But, don't get one with vit C, because that will affect how your body uses B12. :)

Spotydave profile image
Spotydave in reply to greygoose

Hi grey goose... Good to see you hear aswell.. My igennus super b complex does have vit c.. not used it for little while and was using a b good spray..b12... I stopped all vitamins about two months ago.. vit d was be good spray aswell ..

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply to Spotydave

You, I know the igennus has vit C. I used to take that, too, until I learnt about the vit C connection. So, try the Thorne Basic B for a while and see if it helps.

Spotydave profile image
Spotydave in reply to greygoose

Cheers for that.... I will do what you and slow dragon advise snd plus look aftery level again i think ive just tooky eye iff the ball due to personal probs.. hope it does the trick..

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply to Spotydave

Yes, I know what you mean. When life gets complicated, my supplements are the first to be neglected. :)

Spotydave profile image
Spotydave in reply to greygoose

Wow the spelling in my last reply... To much rushing... Sorry.... Yes diet comfort food and so on.. weight has gone on.. not feeling great.. onwards and upwards that's the goal 😀😀

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministratorThyroid UK in reply to Spotydave

You may not realise that you can edit any posts or responses you have made here.

HealthUnlocked have produced some help for how to do this. You can find this here:

support.healthunlocked.com/...

When you edit the original post in a thread, you will also have the option to add (or remove) a single image. (To replace an image, remove the existing image, then add the new one.) This is the same process as writing a new post:

support.healthunlocked.com/...

I am pointing this out purely to ensure that you know your options. :-)

(If you make extensive changes, it is sometimes helpful to add a comment so that people can see that you have made changes.)

Spotydave profile image
Spotydave

Hi i dont understand?? I updated my profile ... But thats all?? Did i do something wrong??

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministratorThyroid UK in reply to Spotydave

You had just posted:

Wow the spelling in my last reply...

And I was pointing out that, should you wish, you can edit your own posts and replies.

Spotydave profile image
Spotydave in reply to helvella

Ohhh right yes sorry .. i did quickly look at changing it but couldn't see how to do it.. thank you helvella

Popeye44 profile image
Popeye44

Hi, Sorry you have had a stressful time. I use EFT with my clients to help them recover and release the shock from the body. Try downloading an app called The Tapping Solution. It will guide you through how EFT works and there are guided meditations you can follow to help you feel better. Take care.

Spotydave profile image
Spotydave in reply to Popeye44

Hi Popeye .. i will take a look thank you

Spotydave profile image
Spotydave

Hi all... I have now got nature provides.Bioactive B12 .. Do you recommend i take the suggested dosage? Or higher to start??

Suggested dose is half the tube once a day

I will also be taking the thorne basic b complex when it arrives... Should be tomorrow... I do also take non fortified nutritional yeast...

Cheers

humanbean profile image
humanbean

Muscle twitching, cramp, and tics of all kinds can be caused by lots of things :

1) low magnesium

2) low vitamin D

3) low iron and/or ferritin

4) Low potassium

5) low sodium

Magnesium is not worth testing - there are no reliable tests for it. People can supplement magnesium in various forms (some good, some useless) and just try it out as long as their kidneys are functional. The kidneys will excrete excess magnesium as long as they are functional.

Info on magnesium supplements :

naturalnews.com/046401_magn...

drjockers.com/best-magnesiu...

Vitamin D - I'm assuming from your comments that this isn't a problem for you.

Iron and/or ferritin (iron stores)

Iron must be tested before supplementing - it is dangerous in overdose. The best test I know of is this one :

medichecks.com/iron-tests/i...

thyroiduk.org/help-and-supp...

Potassium All you could ever want to know about potassium and how to supplement it :

drmalcolmkendrick.org/2013/...

Sodium / salt This is worth trying in water when you get muscle problems. It's a cheap and simple experiment. All that is required is quarter of a teaspoon or less of salt in plain water or orange juice then drink it. If it doesn't work, then forget it.

Spotydave profile image
Spotydave in reply to humanbean

Hi.. as i have low folate and b12 just been tested im working on that at min.. i take d3 and magnesium i do take a little salt with food etc

You may also like...

Folate deficient and low B12

reflux and have been prescribed Gaviscon Advance after meals and before bed but I have only been...

Low B12, ferritin and folate

After my post last week. I asked for all the blood tests you suggested on here. Got a call from gp...

continuing low folate levels

have had under active thyroid for about 10 years. In July last year I was treated for low folate...

Low B12/Folate Hairloss...

Can low b12 and folate cause hair loss? I've been blaming my thyroid but my blood tests are good....

low folate

I’ve just been to the doctor. He will check my stool but said my folate as low. 3.4 (range 3.00-...