So following my Medichecks results I made an appointment to see my GP.
Medichecks put on my report that my folate was low at 8 (range 7-35) but they count 7-13 as being deficient.
My active b12 was 53.6. Medichecks suggested I get an MMA test as my result although in range is at the lower end of normal. I have a good diet of chicken, eggs, dairy etc so don’t think it could be due to diet.
I decided to make an appointment with the GP to discuss (same GP who refused to check my b12 and folate levels when I asked 2 weeks ago so I had to pay privately).
GP said he doesn’t think the NHS will pay for an MMA test. When I mentioned NICE guidelines and that my level was in the ‘possible b12 deficiency’ category and I require further testing he was very dismissive but eventually agreed to refer me to Haematology for this which will take a few weeks. Is this the normal process? I also mentioned Pernicious Anaemia and Intrinsic Factor needing tested but again very dismissive.
I am wondering if this is normal to need to effectively jump through hoops for a simple vitamin check?
I have started taking Vitamin D3 now and about to add in Folate but the whole lack of guidance and reluctance to help by the health service has been very disappointing.
Just wondered what other people’s experience of getting their b12 checked was like. I can’t see how he is telling me that the NHS won’t pay for further testing when the NICE guidelines are saying that is the process? I also didn’t know if a Haematology referral was appropriate or necessary but it was all he would offer.
Thanks again!
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Newtohashimotos2025
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um well it depends ... my daughter has just had b12 /folate/ ferritin checked by an NHS GP , without even asking for them . ( seems to be a rare good GP who thought them worth checking due to symptoms she had )
she the got a Txt saying come and have b12 injections every other day for 2 weeks . but then her B12 result was in the clearly deficient zone, so the guidelines for that are pretty clear.
we have yet to see what the follow up is like, regarding finding the cause of the deficiency / testing for PA / coeliac etc .
her folate and ferritin were also both crawling just into the bottom of range ,,, GP did not mention those as yet. ....so we sought advice on here / PA forum about them .
With serum B12 result below 500, (Or active B12 below 70) recommended to be taking a separate B12 supplement
A week later add a separate vitamin B Complex
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
Igennus B complex popular option. Nice small tablets. Most people only find they need one per day. But a few people find it’s not high enough dose and may need 2 per day and/or may need separate methyl folate couple times a week
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) Thorne can be difficult to find at reasonable price, should be around £20-£25. iherb.com often have in stock. Or try ebay
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
In week before blood test, when you stop vitamin B complex, you might want to consider taking a separate folate supplement (eg Jarrow methyl folate 400mcg) and continue separate B12 if last test result serum B12 was below 500 or active B12 (private test) under 70
The GP I have dealt with has never once actually asked about my symptoms. He has never even asked why I am perusing this test. I don’t think he believes that b12/folate/vitamins have any relation to the thyroid. I found him to be incredibly arrogant.
I must have submitted a dozen econsults or more telling my GP surgery my misery and definitely got labeled as anxious and medical anxiety before eventually getting seen as having real symptoms. They didn't really ask about my symptoms and if they "did" they cut me off after saying fatigue.
I have never really had to access healthcare except during pregnancy and it is really eye-opening to see the lack of care from certain ‘professionals’. This particular GP has made me feel like I am a time-waster or have health anxiety which is absolutely not the case.
I heard about women getting dismissed years ago especially once they reach 40s onward and it never made sense to me. My medical experiences were mostly good and anything not felt like a blip instead.
But then it started happening. I can't believe it's si widely like this!
Some medical professionals also do not like it when patients come armed with information. Information that is widely available online. We should be proactive about our health but he made me feel like I was in the wrong for questioning him.
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Medichecks test results help pls!
Frustrated with getting action for my low B12, GP and Vitamin D
Medichecks test results - any advice welcome
Help - Medichecks and GP B12 results 
GP appointment: Thyroxine
