Folate Deficiency

[Mumma02]

I've had a range of new awful symptoms and blood tests since my second child was born almost 2 years ago to try and find out what is wrong with me. (Of course at this point GP thinks its anxiety!)
First ever time my folate levels were tested this week and they came back at 2.1 and the surgery receptionist phoned to say the GP had prescribed folic acid. B12 was 349, Ferritin 31 (up from 14 through supplementing for 3 months) if thats relevant at all.
Has anyone had a folate deficiency with an explanation of what causes it and if its dangerous? Over the last few months I've had;
Pins and needles in hands and feet
Headaches
Palpitations
Breathlessness (even at rest)
Change in bowel habits, loose stools, sometimes constipated and feelings og nausea
Weakness and achey muscles

Anyone else had this? Thank you!

I had a folate deficiency that took a long time to be picked up - pins & needles, extreme tiredness and anxiety / depression / mood swings / irritable etc. It was truly dreadful but felt better within 2/3 weeks and back to normal within 3 months of supplements

It's not dangerous unless you're pregnant really or it's left for a very long time. Just unpleasant symptoms. You'll be fine now you've got supplements

Thanks both. I've only got 28 days worth of supplements but guessing it takes longer to correct?

Ferritin and B12 are also too low, so it's anybody's guess which deficiency is actually causing your symptoms. Oh, and you'd be better off buying methyl folate than taking NHS folic acid.

@natoth I was told they were fine and B12 well within range?

I have this but have yet to get a GP appointment! Would you mind sharing what supplement you've been prescribed? Will get from pharmacy.

I had low folate a couple of years ago, main symptoms were dizziness and fatigue. I was prescribed 3 months of 5mg and that sorted me out.

Also look at your diet and try to eat a lot of folate rich foods

@allycat4 I've been given 5mg once a day but only 28 days worth so assuming it's not enough...

Your B12 may be within NHS ranges but other countries class anything as below 500 as deficient so I would self supplement that. I use a B12 spray by ‘Better You’.

Your ferritin is still very low, it needs to be at least 70 for things like healthy hair growth. Do you suffer with heavy periods?

Has your thyroid been tested at all?

@CausingChaos2 yes my last thyroid test came back at 1.38 so told that was ok? I do have heavy periods so that's been the blamed caused but never had any investigations to check for anything else.

I recently had bloods done and it came back folate deficiency I was prescribed 5mg once a day for 3 months. Been on them now about 7 weeks and I don't feel any better yet.

Sal

how are you feeling now? I had low folate back in January 3.3 took folic acid for 2 months and re test it was only 11.9 after re test but my symptoms still persist so started folic acid again my symptoms are
pins and needles hands feet arms some tingling in face sometimes
joints hurt
weak
pale
breathless
fatigue and some more

@reannalouiise pretty much exactly how i feel really! Still taking the folic acid.

Hi,

I’ve recently been told I’ve got low folate and have been prescribed folic acid for 4 months. Looking for reassurance from you all, how are you getting on now? I’m 32, and to have low folate at this age (not pregnant) is slightly uncommon. Is there any other treatments other than folic acid? Xx