I needed to disable self sign-ups because I’ve been getting too many spam-type accounts. Thanks.
Low folate and vit D
I have never had my folate levels checked, but I imagine they would be messed up: after reading that guru doctor (Ben Lynch?) on the topic of MTHFR, I tried folate supplements about seven years ago, for various mental health issues I was having at the time. I experienced the most violent symptoms (severe and long-lasting panic attacks) in response to ever single supplement I tried, whether or not part of a B complex, with or without B12, etc. I stopped those folate supps in all forms, but continued to eat tons of leafy greens etc. until two years ago, when we began our Low A adventures. My Vitamin D was quite low for years, even with 10,000iu daily supplementation.
I do now think that this was all connected - along with a pretty severe zinc and B12 deficiency - to my lifelong vegetarianism (till age 30) and a growing overload of Vitamin A. My cholesterol went absolutely sky high during the past 10 years as a WAPFer, and has finally come right down to normal after about six months of Low A. I wish I had more labs taken along the way, but they are too expensive and there are SO many freaking variables!
Hello,
My blood test update after 3 months of trying to raise my Vit D and Folate levels.
Serum total 25-OH vit D level 89 nmol/L 76 - 250 normal up from 54
Serum folate 5.6 ug/L 4 - 26 normal (only just in range) but up from 2.2
I was supplementing 1000iu of vit D3 twice a week and trying to get some sun.
I included some broccoli, green beans, peas, asparagus, lentils, and pinto beans in my diet - this has only raised my Folate levels a little bit, so I will start to take a L- Methylfolate supplement 1000micro units every other day and re test in the future.
My Folate levels have been 13.9 ug/L in the past so I don't think I have an absorption issue. I was not eating folate-rich legumes or greens for such a long time while on the Low Vit A diet which has caused my folate levels to drop while detoxing.
Since included some Vitamin A foods in my diet I have had some slight joint pain come back, slightly redder face skin, some gas/gut issues ( legumes), foggier brain and, worsening of sleep.
Energy has improved a little.
@grant My Serum LDL cholesterol level 3.4 mmol/L
My next step is to reduce Vitamin D3 supplement to once a week or every two weeks.
Take a L- methyfolate supp
and reduce my intake of Vitamin A foods again.
Until next time.
Gary
The problem with Vitamin D tests is that there are 14 different forms of vitamin D in the body. The common test is for the inactive storage form, which tells little about overall levels.
Why do we test the inactive storage form of vitamin D in serum when serum isn't the vehicle for storage?
If you went through a doctor, talk to them about checking B6, Folate(B9), and B12. Also checking homocysteine, which is a byproduct of creatine production, which directly involves said b vitamins. You will have a better picture as to why your folate is low that way. Could be one of the other b vitamins is low. And you don't want elevated homocysteine...it's toxic to the body.
Hello,
My B12 has been at this level for the past 5 years.
Serum vitamin B12 479 ng/L 180 - 770
I did request my NHS GP to test for Vit D 1.25 and a RAST test for wheat ( which was abnormal in 2012) all of which he refused.
They don't seem to like you trying to take control and understand your health through their practice.
I will do a private blood test next time which will include full blood count, lipid profile, folate, vit D, B12, homocysteine,
If anyone suggests any other markers I will surely consider them.
thanks.
I was interested to see your folate result as I’ve been looking at low folate for my husband. He is not on the low vA diet but he is really as he largely eats with me. His folate result was exactly the same as yours - just within the normal range but actually pretty low. I was wondering about aldehydes depleting folate. I’ve been adding more folate rich foods (interesting that this didn’t raise yours much) into our diet and he’s been having a follinic acid supplement. Some people don’t do well with the methylfolate so I thought this was safer. I’m hoping this has helped. I felt a bit guilty as my diet changes have probably affected him! I’m becoming more convinced that the vA detox can seriously deplete some B vitamins, folate is a prime one imo. Your result is adding more evidence. Do please keep us posted on how quickly you can raise yours.
Interesting paper about aldehydes (including retinaldehyde) depleting micronutrients. If this is an issue for you then there are some other things that could help too, including some other Bs.
Hello Mat,
I have had SD on my face for 20 years. It was the main reason I started eliminating Vitamin A foods, unfortunately, it has not cleared up totally. There has definitely been an improvement though. I don't think the main cause of SD is vitamin A. Us SD sufferers search to find a single cause, but I don't feel it is. It is a stagnation and elimination issue. Whether that be food intolerances, metabolic waste, or vitamin A, if the body cannot shift it out, it shows up on the skin.
I have tried many different things, but the only thing that really helps my skin is if I avoid Wheat, Dairy, Eggs and Histamine foods, sticking to a diet of oats, rice, potatoes, meat/fish. Keeping the metabolism up with enough calories, Take cool showers instead of hot. occasional coconut oil when the face is dry. lower stress levels with meditation, nature, and movement.
Sticking to any elimination diet is a challenge though, and I fall off the waggon monthly.
If I am in the tropics I don't get SD. There is more humidity, more sun, more sea, more lymph movement, etc
I am still on the journey of managing my SD, but in a more passive way. I have learnt to accept it. It's ten times better than when I was a milk drinking junk food alcohol party teenager, so I'm happy.
I still avoid high vitamin A foods. No more pints of carrot juice, wheatgrass, liver or fish oil for me. YUK..
Since my folate levels went low and my cholesterol has gone up I have been eating some vegetables, and I have felt more background inflammation. ?? I should exercise more too.
I will get a full blood test in February.
The journey continues.
Take care, and know that there are thousands out there with SD, you are not alone.
Gary