Folate Deficiency

[Maelstrom]

I was diagnosed as prediabetic last April tests also showed I had low folate level of 3.9 ug/L and given dietary advice I've had repeat tests every 3 months on my folate levels and when I had HbA1c done they checked folate again each test is lower than the last one my current level is 2.8 ug/L
I eat so much green stuff raw and steamed I'm surprised my skin hasn't turned green any ideas please

 

[donnellysdogs]

What was your B12 level like? They normally test both together...

 

[Maelstrom]

My b12 was 270 ng/L nurse said that was fine

 

[daddys1]

Hi @Maelstrom , I know nothing about this, but have you looked at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Folate_deficiency

There maybe someone on this forum that has suffered the same, it mentions on the wiki site that 'Utra Violet light', tanning , can be a cause.

Hope this may help
Neil

 

[donnellysdogs]

My b12 was 270 ng/L nurse said that was fine

That is lower level of normal. Our normal ranges are 180 to 924. Under 180 and you get injections.

If I was in your situ I would be taking a good quality B12 and folate supplement and ask for another test in 3 months.

 

[donnellysdogs]

I know I was 167 and 1.0 for vit b and folate when I was put on injections.

Do you eat any processed foods?

 

[Maelstrom]

Hi @Maelstrom , I know nothing about this, but have you looked at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Folate_deficiency

There maybe someone on this forum that has suffered the same, it mentions on the wiki site that 'Utra Violet light', tanning , can be a cause.

Hope this may help
Neil

Thanks @daddys1 I had seen that don't think it's Ultra Violet light never been on a sunbed in my life and hate the sun lol

 

[Maelstrom]

I know I was 167 and 1.0 for vit b and folate when I was put on injections.

Do you eat any processed foods?

Oh thanks for that will get some folic acid and b12 tomorrow

No I don't really eat processed food I like to cook from scratch and eat lots of veg/salad

 

[Indy51]

What version of folate are you taking? Apparently methyl varieties are more easily absorbed than other forms.

 

[robert72]

I got B12 and folate deficiency as a result of coeliac disease. I take 1mg B12 and 5mg Folic acid and my levels are now high normal.

 

[Maelstrom]

What version of folate are you taking? Apparently methyl varieties are more easily absorbed than other forms.

Not taking any at the moment

 

[donnellysdogs]

Oh thanks for that will get some folic acid and b12 tomorrow

No I don't really eat processed food I like to cook from scratch and eat lots of veg/salad

Do you feel tired and exhausted?

Really I guess you have a couple options..

1) try supplements... (Methylcobalamin tablets are the best) but they aren't in pharmacies. Mainly online.

2) see if levels sink further and have injections free from GP.

I know my memory and tiredness was huge when my levels were low.

 

[Maelstrom]

I got B12 and folate deficiency as a result of coeliac disease. I take 1mg B12 and 5mg Folic acid and my levels are now high normal.

Thank you @robert72 don't think I have coeliac disease mother n law had it so know a little about it mind you it does make me think I had my gall bladder removed a few years ago and have had a few digestive problems with that hmmmm my go investigate that now

 

[robert72]

Thank you @robert72 don't think I have coeliac disease mother n law had it so know a little about it mind you it does make me think I had my gall bladder removed a few years ago and have had a few digestive problems with that hmmmm my go investigate that now

possibly malabsorption

 

[robert72]

What version of folate are you taking? Apparently methyl varieties are more easily absorbed than other forms.

I take Methyl B12 which dissolves under the tongue

 

[Indy51]

Were you prescribed metformin on diagnosis? Long term metformin use can definitely impede nutrient absorption, as can gluten.

 

[Maelstrom]

Do you feel tired and exhausted?

Really I guess you have a couple options..

1) try supplements... (Methylcobalamin tablets are the best) but they aren't in pharmacies. Mainly online.

2) see if levels sink further and have injections free from GP.

I know my memory and tiredness was huge when my levels were low.

Yes I am tired all the time I have been told I'm anaemic my red blood cell distribution width is 20.80%

 

[Maelstrom]

I take Methyl B12 which dissolves under the tongue

Thanks I'll look for that

 

[Maelstrom]

Were you prescribed metformin on diagnosis? Long term metformin use can definitely impede nutrient absorption, as can gluten.

Not on any meds at all

 

[robert72]

Thanks I'll look for that

I get Jarrow Methyl B12 from Amazon - Dr prescribes the Folic acid generic stuff but it seems to work