Low folate levels

[TheRedLid]

I've struggled with a lot of health issues, in particular digestive problems and poor mental health for years. It's getting worse despite many hospital tests coming back as normal (colonoscopies, gastroscope with biopsies, bile acid malabsorption test, coeliac tests, microscopic colitis test, small intestine scans etc).

My bloods also come back as normal although I notice my folate is only 3. The NHS lab results gives no range for this but a quick Google tells me this is classified as low normal or even low. Further googling and I'm finding certain therapists online explaining how low folate can cause a number of issues particularly anxiety and gut problems.

Has anyone had low folate levels? How low were they and did you suffer symptoms as a result?

Yes, I had quite bad upper abdominal pain when my folate was very low. It all improved after a couple of months of supplements. I was also knackered.

I've been getting awful upper gut issues and I'm permanently knackered too. I'll start on some supplements and see (and hope) if there are some improvements.

Best of luck! I get 400mg tablets off Amazon. After two months I felt so much better and the pain went from gnawing constant to only very occasionally.

Thank you, I'll have a look on amazon.

I’ve been wondering the same thing and was just about to start a similar thread. My last measured level was 2.2 and the lab reference range was 1.9 to 25 (which does not seem consistent with everything I read online), and I’m about to start medication which can decrease folate so that’s a bit worrying.

I started taking it in hospital for malnutrition and have continued on it ever since. It seems to help my energy levels a lot, and my periods have randomly come back regularly. It's also helped my temperature regulation. I think it's really good for you. Not exactly sure why but I'd definitely recommend it.

i felt awful unril i got tablets. highly recommend.

Oh yes I felt awful when my folate levels were low after the birth of my second child. The doctor gave me strong prescribed pills and levels soon went up.

I hope you manage to get your levels up. Good luck.

I have awful issues with temperature regulation, I didn’t know that could be connected. I’ve had ARFID since childhood and quite a restrictive diet so do wonder if this is why my levels are on the low side.

It could well be. I first got prescribed it when hospitalised for anorexia. I've kept it up now along with other vits and supplements and I'm so much better now. Obviously put on weight also, which helped!

I think it helps your body process other minerals and proteins and things? I used to get horrendous nerve issues in my lower legs and feet. Really itchy, numb, tingly, freezing, restless etc. That's completely gone now.

Not attributing it all to folate but I honestly think it has done me a lot of favours. I just take one tiny tablet a day. Nice and easy.

Hope your health improves x

I will definitely try them, thank you.