Vitamin Advice

[pgfairy]

So I have a history of really low B12 and Folate levels for reasons I won't bore you with but at their worst my levels were 60 and 1.2 respectively.

So when I found out I was pregnant I started taking the prenatals and I knew my B12 was within normal so I didn't rush to have them tested I just did it when was convenient which turned out to be last week. Well the tests have just come back and they're 354 and 14 now respectively.

I know this is within normal range but it seems on the low side to me. The doctor obviously isn't concerned because he hasn't asked me to get a B12 shot or given me extra folic acid (which they usually do when my levels are low and I get tested regularly) but since I'm pregnant should I nag to get these topped up? If I should, do I call my midwife or my GP? (UK based NHS midwife led care).

Thanks in advance!

 

[Diana3]

You should always ask your doctor, but if you're taking prenatal vitamins and also eating a healthy diet, you should be getting enough. Spinach, broccoli, romaine lettuce and other leafy greens, oranges, raspberries, lentils and beans, avocado, almonds, beets, okra and carrots all have folate that is easily absorbable by the body. Try to eat a lot of these foods and take the prenatal vitamins with at least 400 mcg of folate (mine has 800 mcg) and you should be fine.

 

[pgfairy]

Thanks Diana, I appreciate your response.

Unfortunately due to my crohns disease I don't always absorb these vitamins through my diet (I eat a ton of all the things you've said just because I enjoy them and sometimes my levels still get dangerously low). I'm not overly confident in my GP when it comes to pregnancy related things and my midwife is no help at all and I don't have an OB because I'm on the NHS for a non-complicated pregnancy. I'm sure you're right, it's probably fine. Hopefully someone else with vitamin deficiency has some experience they can share.