Maria,

Frightening. Even more so is the fact that there are doctors here in the USA so far behind they think that the time to become really is concerned is when the B12 test comes back well below 100. There is incredible ignorance out there. I was within months of death at 138.

Also alarming: all that folic acid and not enough B12. An absolute no no, even among most of those who are quite ignorant otherwise.

Did they test you within a days of a shot? How long between the last shot and the drawing of test samples?

rose

Hi Rose

Yes, I think initially they did test me within days of the third shot. The second test wasn't and was a month to six weeks after the initial tests, but I don't know what that result was. But with this 160 level in mind I'm sure whatever it was it was thought okay. My doctor wanted me to have the folic all the time, but I thought it might mask the B12 problem so didn't go back for more. He gave me again enough for two weeks double dose (the same as he did before in December) which I've spread to a month. I was pretty ill too when my level was 140. I am going to talk this out hopefully on Tuesday. My GP surgery was closed this week and I prefer to see the same doctor. I'll let you know what he says.

Maria xx

Hi Rose

Well, my doctor listened. He wants me to have regular shots and said I must be eating the B12 for it to go down so fast. I'll see how it goes and hope I improve. He has also refered me to a specialist for my thirst/frequency problems. He wants to check to see if I have diabetes insipidus and if not then I see a urologist, and failing that then it must be part of my neurological problems caused by my lack of B12. I rest my case.

Maria xx

What is the correct ratio of Folic Acid to B12?

It isn't really a ratio.

One must make sure they have a full store of B12 and continue getting enough to keep the stores full as small amounts are used. So, in case a person malabsorbs severely, at least 1000 mcg per day is good insurance.

Folate of folic acid is not stored like that (nor is any other nutrient), and it must be eaten or taken regularly for daily use. It would not be outrageous to take 800 mcg folic acid, and some people take much larger doses are taken therapeutically with a doctor's help. The extremely large doses are usually not needed or recommended.

The important thing is to get enough of both, and NEVER to take folic acid when not sure of getting plenty of B12. Of course, one should make sure to get plenty of B12 whether taking folic acid or not. The reason this is mentioned in many places is that when people need B12 but are given instead folic acid, they can be damaged terribly.

One does not need to worry about a ratio of B12 to anything else. One just needs to be sure to get all nutrients and have or develop a strong store of B12.

rose

Rose, I think you said the b12 your suppose to take on empty stomach? If so or maybe I'm wrong I thought they were absorbed better with food. Also do you take the b complex with food or with the b12? Rose also I was reading some of the archive post and a lady was thanking you becuase the b12 helped so much and how she got off the neurontin. I have been having hard times with all the meds. Have you found any luck with meds or are you more on the vitamin/supp. I know everyone is different and am going back to the neuro next week to try new meds or change dose. I have been on neurontin,lyrica,cymbalta,elavil. Thanks and sorry to ask on your thread. I hope you feel better.

B12 should be taken on an empty stomach if you want to get the most out of it.

I take B12 without absolutely nothing else. And at a different time of day, usually with food, a B complex.

No meds.

No problem. I prefer people ask questions on these threads, so that others might benefit as well.

Thank you.

rose

Thank you. DId you used to take meds? I keep trying to find the right one or dose but basically just feel sick. On the note of b12 or b complex or maybe magnesium could any of these cause nausia or dizzy feeling? I'm trying to find the source of my stuffy head,dizzy,nausea but it could be from the prescription meds or a new symptom of my pain. Thanks again.

No, I didn't.

Those symptoms are not likely to be due to the supplements. And if they are due to the B12, they are a very good sign.

Very likely at least some of them are due to the meds. I would speak with a pharmacist to see whether they might be reason to get off something.

Best wishes to you.

rose