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Folic acid

Posted , 2 users are following.

patricia64333
patricia64333

Hi everyone, I had b12 levels taken Nov 2017

,( 169.)and had the 6 booster injections. Then my folate levels were found to be 3, so given folic acid tablets, but !! 3 weeks of suffering with stomachs pains,bloating(similar to my IBS) and felt queasy all day,I'd had enough, I asked on here what else could I take,someone recommended Methyl Folate, which you have to buy, so with drs permission I got 600mcg, but after a few days the same thing happened, so I am not taking any folate, 3 days after stopping I feel fine.

But I know I have to take folate to help b12 work better, so anyone out there can you help with a solution.many thanks.

1 like, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • marion29181
    marion29181 patricia64333

    Posted

    Folate is obtained naturally from green vegetables, kale, broccoli, sprouts etc... Do you eat plenty of vegetables salads and fruit? 

    Usually methyl folate is easily tolerated, it maybe that having low B12 for some time has had a bad effect on your digestion. Did you have any digestive issues before treatment (injections) began? 

    Sometimes when treatment begins there is a worsening of some symptoms as the healing process takes place. It may mean that you will be able to tolerate methyl folate in a few weeks? 

    Best wishes

    Marion 

    • patricia64333
      patricia64333 marion29181

      Posted

      Hiya thanks for replying, I'm not a big veg fan, and I know I should eat more of the green stuff.

      Yes I'd do have problems,had reflux for 25 years, and take omeprazole every morning, hence the reason my b12 levels were low,through non absorption, I also suffer with IBS, folate really did make it worse, I'm wondering if just taking vit b9 which is folate, would my stomachs tolerate it better,

      I worked for a Dr for 17 years so I'm quite interested in anything medical, like to know the ins and outs, and since being diag with b12 deficiency, have tried to learn everything about it, I think I know more than my Dr now, 😀 thanks for sharing and caring. Patricia.

  • marion29181
    marion29181 patricia64333

    Posted

    Hi again Patricia, sorry to hear about your acid reflux, that was part of the reason my B12 was low. One question I will ask is, do you know if your thyroid function is OK? Often low B12 and thyroid problems go hand in hand, and the thyroid can cause acid reflux. Strangely, this isn’t because the acid levels are too high, but too low. Lots of thyroid patients have weaned themselves off of acid reduction medication. Unfortunately I discovered this fact much too late, and have been on lansoprazole for many years now. I also had a spasm of the oesophagus caused by the reflux, which led to an emergency admission to hospital with a suspected heart attack! Thankfully it was just the spasm, but frightening nevertheless. 

    Best wishes

    Marion 

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