Folate Levels ?

[Lemondrizz]

I am still trying to feel well ? With symptoms including severe fatigue and weakness, disorientation, and joint and body pains.

Can you please let meknow if I might need to increase my Folate level - as although within range - at 13 - I think I had read here that it is best if it is at least 50% through the range ?

I take a daily B complex which contains 400 folate and have just reintroduced a separate Folate 400 capsule -

My Thyroxine is now at 100mcg /75mcg alternate days results of

23/1/24 TSH 0.19mlU/L (0.3 - 5.5) - No T4 provided even though requested !

5/12/23 TSH 0.06mlU/L (0.3 - 5.5) - T4 15.9 pmol/L (10-0 - 22.0 )

SI B12 injections EOD

Any advice would be much appreciated

Many thanks

Lemondrizz

[Jaydee1507 Administrator]

What is the range for your folate test?

Your FT4 is only 45% through range, no FT3 which is essential to understand if you are converting.

Suggest you get some private tests run to include FT3.

How are you other vitamin levels?

As you are SI B12 are you also supplementing magnesium?

[Lemondrizz in reply to Jaydee1507]

Jaydee - many thanks for your reply -

The serum folate level is 11.7 (2.1 - 26.8)

I have not had other vitamin levels checked and am not taking any magnesium suppliments as this has never been mentioned ?

My Vitamin D was checked by my Rheumatologist but I was told it was fine ?

No access to the Blood Test Report -

Thank you Lemondrizz

[Jaydee1507 Administrator in reply to Lemondrizz]

I mentioned magnesium as it is a co factor for B12 so important to be optimal.

Even if your Rheumy told you your Vit D level was fine it likely isnt OPTIMAL unless you are supplementing a decent amount - 3,000iu or more. Suggest you get a private test.

NHS easy postal kit vitamin D test £31 via

vitamindtest.org.uk

I assume this test was just before you introduced the separate 400mcgs folate capsule in which case that should take you to where you need to be.

[greygoose in reply to Jaydee1507]

I mentioned magnesium as it is a co factor for B12 so important to be optimal.

Are you sure about that? I've never heard that before. A co-factor of vit D, yes, but B12?

[Jaydee1507 Administrator in reply to greygoose]

Magnesium along with vit D, ferritin & potassium are always listed as B12 co factors. I have never questioned why.

facebook.com/download/77755...

[RedApple Administrator in reply to Jaydee1507]

Link doesn't work for me. Maybe you need to be a member of the FB group to get it?

[Jaydee1507 Administrator in reply to RedApple]

Oh probably, sorry. Its where I got the information from and I have read others say it too.

[greygoose in reply to Jaydee1507]

I can't open that link. But I've had a bit of a google, and can't find magnesium in connection with B12. Ferritin, yes, and calcium, but not magnesium.

[Jaydee1507 Administrator in reply to greygoose]

I don't claim to be an expert in any of this, just personal experience.

If you're particularly concerned then go ask over on the PA group.

[greygoose in reply to Jaydee1507]

Well, I have nothing against taking magnesium. I think everyone needs it. But, if you're going to tell people that it's a co-factor of B12, I think you ought to know what you're talking about.

[Lemondrizz]

Thank you Jaydee - I will add in the Folate first and then look at the Vit D as probaly better to do one at a time so that I can see which might be having a positive effect ?

Have you any idea how long it might take to increase the folate levels please?

Lemonrizz

[Jaydee1507 Administrator in reply to Lemondrizz]

Its always best to add one supplement at a time to assess its effect and in case of adverse effects, then you know what the problem might be caused by.

I would allow 3 months to reassess folate levels on the new dose.

[greygoose]

Interesting - but nothing they say makes magnesiuma co-factor of B12.

Terrible multi-vit! But then, aren't they all. It contains iron, which will block absorption of all the vitamins and the calcium. And, worse still, it contains iodine! And it's damned expensive! What a waste of money!