High homocysteine. And does B12 increase folate levels?
 

Hi, I don't know if this thread is still active but it seemed the appropriate place to post this...

Does anyone know if taking B12 increases your folate as well?

I tried taking methylB12 for a few months which significantly boosted my B12 serum levels (started out low end of 'normal' range), although made no change to my PN symptoms (was worth a try). I was surprised to see that my folate levels had doubled and were no longer low despite not taking any folate supplements.

Also, before taking any B12 I had my local doc order a MMA and homocysteine blood test. My MMA was normal but my homocysteine was a little high. Doc had no idea what that meant so it didn't get followed up at all. My super googling skills tell me it can sometimes indicate a deficiency in B12, folate or B6... What kind of specialists knows about these things and can interpret this for me? I'm seeing a rheumatologist, neurologist and dietitian over the next few months.

Cheers

Very interesting. Thank you!. I read a book called VitaNutrients the author was Dr. Atkins who was famous for his low carb diet. Regardless if you like or don't' like this ideas on diets. His book on nutrients I thought was fascinating. He indicated that the thought process for the medical profession was a lack of various minerals or vitamins causes diseases. For example, the lack of Vitamin C causes scurvy. So the medical profession determines what was needed to avoid scurvy and that was the recommended amount. His point, while it may be true you need that much to avoid scurvy. His position was the body needed more to function properly. He did a lot of studying on this and quoted a lot of other doctors mentioning how the minimum people should really take and if you have a disease, then you would need more of certain items. I have taken his advice for increasing items like Fish Oil, Borage Oil, Flax Seed Oil, as well as Vitamin C, D etc. I suggest at least reading his book.

Can taking methylation supplements (B12 and folate) cause small fiber neuropathy or other neuropathies?


I know a deficiency of B12 can, but I test all normal (haven't done urine MMA). But I have had chronic muscle pain ever since taking relatively high doses of methylB12 and methylfolate. I wonder if taking either one somehow drained my B12 and caused SFN. I don't have typical neuropathy sensations, but some SFN symptoms and annecdotally, SFN can present with muscle pain.

I am not an expert, but while you are waiting for an expert to respond (we have many really marvelous people on this forum), consider that B12 is a water soluble vitamin. The body throws off any excess B12 that it doesn't need. Given that this is the case, I don't see how taking B12 can cause too much harm.

Good luck. :)

As Nervous has already stated B12 and Folate ( vitamin B9) are water soluble so they pass through our bodies quickly. B12 is key to nerve healing and regeneration. I take 1.5mg of Methyl Cobalamin daily (1500ug) I think your muscle soreness symptoms have arrived coincidentally and you are erroneously attributing this to B12 consumption. Consider a Magnesium supplement. It is good for both PN and muscle soreness.

Best wishes

Atty

Thank you both for your replies!

heard from my dr B12 is not good with feet neuropathy

that is not true