Hypothyroidism and taking 100mcg of Levothyroxine for years
Recent blood results showed low Folate and D. Doctor prescribed Folic acid for 3 months. B12 was "in range"
Been taking Folic and D3 for 10 days and feel like I'm going backwards.
My symptoms include feeling like a tablet is stuck in my throat, lower leg muscle twitching, hoarse voice that quivers occasionally, general malaise like I'm not really listening to people and the occasional blurred eyesight and feeling that the light has changed. Sometimes my heart rate increases on a slow walk (not like me)
Ive been gluten and dairy free since April. Not sure the folic acid agrees with me.
Due an appointment with the GP in 10 days. Beyond blood tests, I'm not sure they know what is the best course of action.
Am I better off ditching the folic acid and just taking a B complex and what shall I push for at the GP appointment?
Thanks
Written by
lostatsea2
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There seems to be a theme where GPs prescribe 5 milligrams of folic acid but the person does not tolerate such a high dose, at least, not every day or for a long time.
B12 being "in range" is not reassuring! The reference interval (range) goes so low that many are very ill by the time they get there. Find out that number and the reference interval that applies.
It is always concerning that your B12 could be low, or very low, within reference interval, but you have started on folic acid. It is always advised that if you are low in both, you should always start B12 treatment before folic acid. Even a couple of days!
5 mg dose is not good news. I was prescribed that once and tolerated it only a week. Insomnia and anxiety.
Vitamin D is a little low. Mine has just come back at 70 nmol/L. It was 90. Now supplementing to increase. 1000 IU will increase Vitamin D by 10 nmol/L so. I’m currently taking 2000 IU to get back to my baseline.
Have supplemented Folate with 200 mcg dose and my Folate has increased to 2x range in 6 months. Have now stopped supplementing that.
Check you are taking things well away from your levo dose. Try taking your levo dose at night. Try splitting your levo dose. Both these two things have helped others absorb or process levo better.
Then if symptoms persist get sets of blood tests done over a period of time that include tsh, ft4 and ft3. You may have to do these privately. The results will indicate whether you are on a high enough dose of levo and, if you are, whether you are potentially a poor convertor and might benefit from the addition of liothyronine t3.
With serum B12 result below 500, (Or active B12 below 70) recommended to be taking a separate B12 supplement and then add folate a week later
Then once your serum B12 is over 500 (or Active B12 level has reached 70), you may be able to reduce then stop the B12 and just carry on with the B Complex.
If Vegetarian or vegan likely to need ongoing separate B12 few times a week
Once you change to supplementing a good quality daily vitamin B complex, this can help keep all B vitamins in balance and will help improve B12 levels too
Igennus B complex popular option too. Nice small tablets. Most people only find they need one per day.
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
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