Navigating Postpartum Vitamin Deficiencies: Insights and Expectations
A 21-year-old postpartum mother discusses her dietary deficiencies with low B-12, Folate, and Vitamin D. Supplementation expectations and timelines for symptom improvements, especially regarding energy, mood, and nerve issues, are explored in this insightful conversation.
Advice for low vitamin levels
I finally got diagnosed with low B-12, Folate, and vitamin D. I’m a 21yo F. My symptoms that brought me to get my bloodwork checked were nerve issues in my arm, feeling like there was a rubber band around my elbow area, low energy, horrible mental health and energy levels, losing hair, etc. I’m 6 months postpartum and breastfeeding and haven’t been doing well with getting the nutrition I need. B-12 was 298, folate-2.0, vitamin D-21.7.
My PCP prescribed me a 50,000 Vitamin D3 supplement to take once a week, along with a prenatal and a B-12 drop to take orally that has 2mg B6, 400mcg folate, and 3,000mcg B12.
I guess why I’m posting is does everyone think these supplements will help get my levels back on track without messing anything else up, and how soon does everyone think my symptoms will start to improve?
The supplements your PCP prescribed aim to address the deficiencies in Vitamin B12, Folate, and Vitamin D, which are often associated with symptoms such as nerve issues, fatigue, and low mental health123. Here's a brief overview of what each supplement might do and the general expectations for symptom improvement:
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Vitamin D3: The prescription of 50,000 IU weekly is a common approach for replenishing low vitamin D levels. It helps in calcium absorption and bone health, which can indirectly influence energy levels and mood. Improvements in energy and overall well-being might be noticeable within a few weeks, although this varies from person to person45.
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Vitamin B12: An oral dose of 3,000 mcg B12 is intended to quickly elevate your B12 levels and improve symptoms such as fatigue, mental fog, and nerve health. Some individuals start noticing improvements within a few days to a couple of weeks as their levels begin to normalize67. Consistent supplementation is often necessary to maintain adequate levels.
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Folate (Folic Acid): With a starting level of 2.0, supplementing with folate is crucial as it's vital for red blood cell production and can affect your energy levels and neurological function. Symptoms like tiredness and hair loss might improve over several weeks8.
Overall, each person's response can be different, and other factors such as diet, lifestyle, and individual health conditions can influence the rate of improvement. It's essential to follow up with your healthcare provider to monitor your levels and adjust your treatment plan as needed, especially considering you are breastfeeding, which can also demand higher nutrient intake910.
Footnotes
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