I take PEG interferon for my Essential thrombocythemia (ET) and it controls my bloods really well but since my GP put me on statins my liver enzyme reading (ALT) steadily increased to 98, so well outside of the normal range. As a former research scientist I resorted to scientific papers to look for help, as my haematology consultant wasn’t very concerned and folic acid as a supplement seemed to be an option to try. 3 months after starting the supplement of 400 micro grammes combined with vitamin d3 10mg, my ALT reading dropped to 34 and after 4 months the joint and rib pain I’ve had since 2020 has gone. A sample size of one is too small to draw conclusions but I haven’t felt this good for a long time and with no potential side effects, worth considering if you have the symptoms I was suffering with.
Hi @Warren great to hear from you again and thanks for sharing your experiences.
However I always think it is worth checking with my medical team before adding or removing any supplements or food sources to my diet.
Please do keep posting and really look after yourself
Hi @Warren - that sounds very interesting that you were able to lower your liver enzymes- did you get any feedback from your doctor? Glad to hear your joint pains have improved as well- what a relief for you!
Take care
Gillyj
Hi Gilly,
My consultant was not aware of the potential benefit of folic acid for my liver but she was pleased to see my ALT reading back in the normal range, having been steadily increasing over a period of time and has no concerns about me continuing with it.
Hi Erica,
Everyone responds differently to input changes, so the only way to find out how anything impacts me is to change an input and I’m comfortable making subtle changes and monitoring the effect, as I know my body better than anyone else and in this case I’m pleased I did. I cycle regularly and as well as the other benefits I mentioned, my cycling power output has returned to pre-diagnosis levels over the past few months, from 150 watts back up to 220 watts, which strongly suggests a significant physiological benefit for me.
Hi @Warren,
Thanks for posting. Its great to hear that your symptoms have improved and you are feeling the best you have felt in a long time.
Whilst you checked with your doctor and these supplements have worked for you. I just wanted to point out that folic acid is not always suitable for some people with blood cancer. It is therefore important to inform your haematology team before starting folic acid to make ensure it’s safe to do so.
Kind regards
Fiona (support services nurse)