Folic Acid Deficiency?

[lupinerainbow]

I had my bloods done, for an issue completely seperate to infertility. We have been trying for a baby for 39 cycles now and my cycle lengths vary between 26 and 34 days (usually 29-32) and i have been diagnosed with having really low folic acid levels (although i have been taking 400micrograms every day for the last 3+ years) they have now put me onto 5mg tablets, i am hoping that this will be a simple reason for our infertility and this will do it. I was just wondering if there is anyone else that can relate to this at all and if there were any success stories?

Lupine

xxxxx

 

[lisap2008]

About 10% of women dont absorb folic acid properly which leads to low levels , I am also on 5mg. I seem to be ovulating earlier now , I am not sure if its related to the folic acid though.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-412334/Folic-acid-helps-fertility-women.html

 

[lupinerainbow]

Thank you for this information, you have been very helpful

xxxx

 

[Gingersnaps]

It may be worth looking into the reason for your deficiency. There are various causes, I am on 5mg also as I have Celiacs.

 

[lupinerainbow]

I see, is there usually and underlying condition then?

xxxxx

 

[lisap2008]

I see, is there usually and underlying condition then?

xxxxx

Alot of things can cause poor absorption and warrant needing to take extra folic acid:

BMI over 30, Poor diet, diabetes, certain medications for depression, epilepsy, bipolar disorder, fibromyalgia will lessen the absoption ,Alcoholism( interferes with the absorption of folate) , women with the MTHFR (Methylene-Tetra-Hydro-Folate-Reductase).

MTHFR (methylenetetrahydrofoloate reductase) is an enzyme/ protein that is used to activate folic acid, a crucial B vitamin for pregnancy. In certain cases, the MTHFR gene does not activate the folic acid to it’s full capacity: heterozygous MTHFR carriers activate folate at 60-70%; homozygous carriers only activate folate at 10%. When testing for MTHFR, doctors use a blood test to look for two genes: MTHFR C677T and MTHFR A1298C. It is a fact that MTHFR is quite common (present in as much as 30% of the population) and by simply adding additional methylfolate a number of medical conditions including infertility and pregnancy can be supported. Additional folic acid in cases of MTHFR can help:
reduce miscarriage frequency
avoid neural tube defects
treat depression and anxiety
heal ADD and autism
reduce dementia
support uric acid metabolism and resolve gout
facilitate detoxification
lower homocysteine levels
encourage DNA repair which decreases cancer risk
Folic acid consumption is particularly important in fertility and pregnancy to maintain a healthy pregnancy and prevent birth defects. If a blood test reveals that you have MTHFR, your doctor may suggest taking a higher dose of folic acid in a methylated form that helps bypass the enzyme. It’s important to include the other B vitamins (B6 and B12) in your regimen as well as eating a diet rich in folate.
Folate rich foods include: beans and lentils, peas (black-eyed peas, chickpeas, green peas), juices (orange, tomato, grapefruit, pineapple), fruits (oranges, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, avocado, papaya, raspberries), soymilk, vegetables (green leafy vegetables such as spinach, lettuce, turnip greens, mustard greens, collard greens, and Chinese cabbage; broccoli; Brussels sprouts; asparagus; artichokes; okra; corn; cauliflower; potato; beets; green onions; sweet red peppers), nuts and sunflower seeds. If you are folic acid deficient, avoid green tea which can limit the absorption of folate

 

[lupinerainbow]

Thank you lisa, i take epilepsy drugs and i have bipolar and i am quite a fussy eater too so this is probably the reason for my deficiency it was my psych doc who picked it up and just prescribed the tablets for my ordinary doctor to give to me so i haven't had chance to speak to him about it yet, should be seeing him again soon so will have to speak with him about it more when i do or should i make an appointment with my proper doctor?

xxxxx

 

[lisap2008]

Thank you lisa, i take epilepsy drugs and i have bipolar and i am quite a fussy eater too so this is probably the reason for my deficiency it was my psych doc who picked it up and just prescribed the tablets for my ordinary doctor to give to me so i haven't had chance to speak to him about it yet, should be seeing him again soon so will have to speak with him about it more when i do or should i make an appointment with my proper doctor?

xxxxx

your welcome, as long as you have the prescription for 5mg pills I think your good to go for now, once you get pregnant talk to your OB/GYN about the meds and continue the 5mg folic acid throughout the pregnancy.
its good to include 200mg of B12 as well because the high dose of folic acid can mask a B12 deficiency.