Dilantin and Folic Acid

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I am currently on dilantin. Dilantin and many other medications for siezures have an effect on folic acid metabolization. Thus, it leads to the body using less folic acid than it takes in. A few years ago, I was told that it is important to take folic acid more than I did in the past. Now, while I am on folic acid tablets, I need to know how to build the amount of bone strength and skin strength up to the proper level. My doctors didn't have any answer to my folic acid questions. Calcium tablets make a difference, however, I have to keep taking them.

Could somebody give me some suggestions.

Thanks
 
Hi! I was recently put on Dilantin. :) Anyway, my doc said to take a Calcium and Vitamin D supplement. The Dilantin screws up Vit. D absorption, and Vit. D is what helps your body absorb calcium correctly. So make sure that you're getting enough Vit. D. If not, you won't be able to absorb the Calcium. Right now, I'm on 500 mg. Calcium + Vit. D two times a day, as well as a 800mcg. folic acid and 1 prenatal vit. a day (yes...I'm preggo... :) ) Also, if they didn't tell you, dental issues are the most common one with dilantin use long term. Things like your gums growing over your teeth.
Hope this helped. :)
 
Our bodies are able to assimilate (use) folate a lot easier than folic acid (the synthetic version of folate). You might have more success increasing the amount of folate in your diet. The following foods are high in folate:

Beans
Spinach
Asparagus
Broccoli
Beets
Romaine
Oranges
Strawberries
Melons
 
Calcium works well for me. However, even with Vitamin D, it is partially effective. Meaning, the levels keep on going up and down and don't remain at the proper level. During the first 6 years I was on dilantin, it was normal. That was when I was not taking folic acid supplements. How can I bring it back to where it was earlier? Folic acid and cell division ring a bell. Should I take extra calcium than I am taking? I may be missing something in the equation.
 
About Dilantin

I'd be very careful when taking Dilatin When I took it I was rushed to the hospital with a severe allergic reaction after a couple of days on it (I realize that may not happen to you )
but they are who can not take Dilatin in any shape or form (I'm one of them )

:ponder:
 
Dilantin/Epanutin (Phenytoin) with Folic Acid

I was diagnosed as being affected by epilepsy in 1965. Ever since then I have been taking a prescribed daily dose of Epanutin (Phenytoin) as well as a 5mg. of Folic Acid each day (also prescribed). One of the reasons I was told that I should take Folic Acid was that it also cleans out the impurities in the bloodstream left behind by Epanutin. I found the following answer about taking Folic Acid at Cure Archives -

'Add 5mg. Folic Acid to your daily diet and this will prevent further deterioration of gums, and anyone starting with Dilantin, Epanutin, etc., do the same to prevent gum and dental problems. This is a known medical fact.
 
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