Best strategy with both low b12 and low folate RBC?

[jason30]

Hi all,

I wonder what is wise to do, because I don't want to make things worse.
Starting with folate and b12 together or first b12 and then folate, or the other way around? Does someone have experience with this?

Recently I have received the Folate RBC blood test, and this shows a deficiency.
All results:

• MMA: 0,32 (320 nmol/L)
• B12 serum: 186 pmol/l
• Active B12: 39 (lab range: 45 - 140)
• Folic acid RBC: 462 nmol/L = 203.28 ng/mL = too low (< 523 ng/mL)
• Folic acid in serum: 18.2 nmol/L (good)

 

[Moof]

I think that they're interdependent, so probably best to take together? I have B12 malabsorption and need injections every few weeks, and I take methylfolate at least once a week. My levels have now normalised, though, so it's just maintenance; when I started, I injected B12 and took folate every second day until I stopped seeing improvements in the deficiency symptoms.

Edited to add: I've never had a negative reaction to either; some people are very sensitive to supplements, though, so in that situation it's just a case of seeing what you can tolerate.