Folic acid & underactive thyroid

[katpw]

Hello, I’m 6 weeks pregnant and have been taking 400mg folic acid since TTC.

I have an underactive thyroid and have just read that people with this condition often have low levels of folic acid and may need a higher dose in pregnancy.

I’m UK based and called my doctor with my positive test result and there was no mention of testing folic acid levels.

Has anyone had a similar experience? Should I ask for a blood test to check my levels to see if I need to increase my dose?

Thanks so much
Kathryn

I'm 29 weeks and haven't heard this. Following with interest.

The neural tube closes in the 21-28 days of pregnancy. So after 4 weeks, folic acid doesn't really matter for neural tube defects. You can and should eat dark leafy greens which give you the natural form of folic acid in the form of folate.

Hi @NoNadaNeinNope I’m hoping it’s maybe if thyroid levels aren’t managed? If thyroid tests are coming back as within normal range hopefully that means folic acid isn’t an issue? Doctor didn’t mention anything to me so I’d like to think not required!!?

Thanks @MatchaTea I thought the first 12 weeks it was essential.

My understanding was that nutrient deficiencies such as B12, iron and folate are common when you're actually hypothyroid, as it can make your digestive system less effective, lower levels of stomach acid etc.

I was taking a good multivitamin (without iron as I don't tolerate it well) for years and my folate and B12 were high in range when diagnosed but my iron was low, so I was obviously absorbing the supplements enough to keep my levels up.

I think if you're on adequate replacement thyroid hormone and have been supplementing folate since TTC you shouldn't have anything to worry about.

Folic acid supplementation is recommended to prevent Spina Bifida, which occurs in the first 28 days of conception. You are past that point.

Now, all vitamins and minerals are essential for the healthiest possible pregnancy and baby's health.

What you eat, more than the vitamins that you take, will play a huge role for the Embryo/foetus development and beyond. A maternal high fat diet - so a lot of fried food, crips, industrial snacks, cheese, processed meats, .... - will increase chances of neurodevelopment disorders such as autism as high fat diets alter the methylation of genes linked to autism.

Eat for health. Yours and the baby's .

Thank you @Utini I’m hoping this is the case 😊