Low levels but still in range.

[DJ_1996]

Having recently been diagnosed with an underactive thyroid, people on the thyroid board suggested I post on here for advice as my B12 and folate levels are in range but only just. I've been on a 25mcg of levothyroxine for 3 weeks and can't feel any difference yet. I'm also taking 10,000 iu of D3 with 100 mcg of Vitamin K, 1000 mcg of b12 and ferrous sulphate ( 2 x 200mg) and 400 mcg of folate in Thorne Research - Basic B Complex tablets. I take the vitamins at lunchtime ,about 6 hours after my levo and the iron when I go to bed. I intend to get some vit C to take with my iron tablets. The only advice I got from my GP was to buy supplements for the vit D deficiency. No comment on anything else as they were all in range. Am I doing everything I can do you think to raise my levels in vit D, folate, B12 and ferritin as from what I understand, thyroxine meds won't work if these levels aren't correct. Thanks

VITAMIN B12 154.4 pmol/L 140.00 - 724.00

FOLATE (SERUM) 4.02 ug/L 3.89 - 26.80

25 OH VITAMIN D *25.41 nmol/L 50.00 - 200.00

IRON 12.19 umol/L 6.60 - 26.00

T.I.B.C 74.09 umol/L 41.00 - 77.00

TRANSFERRIN SATURATION *16.45 % 20.00 - 55.00

FERRITIN 42.82 ug/L 13.00 - 150.00

[holehead]

Hi

With levels as low in b12 and folate you need further investigation however with supplements they will skew the blood tests as at the moment you only know you are low on the b12 and folate,as you take iron supplements you will also mask the ferritin read. If there is any possibility you may have Pernicious Anemia then you would need to be retested however it will be a struggle to get your gp to diagnose as they will see your levels as potentially normal and ignore the symptoms you really need to rule out PA and get an active b12 test but you would need to stop b12 supplements to achieve this. I am not medically trained but there will be others here who can advise. You really need to investigate your b12 with levels at 154.

Mark

[DJ_1996 in reply to holehead]

Thanks Mark. I hadn't even thought about PA and was just focusing on my thyroid issues. Seems I need to get up to speed with all of this!

[Sleepybunny]

Hi,

I'd suggest reading whole of "BSH Cobalamin and Folate Guidelines"

b-s-h.org.uk/guidelines/gui...

Flowchart from BSH Cobalamin and Folate guidelines

stichtingb12tekort.nl/weten...

Flowchart above makes it clear that In UK, people who are symptomatic for b12 deficiency should have an IFA (Intrinsic Factor Antibody) test and start intial B12 treatment. this applies whether B12 is low or within range.

Are you symptomatic for B12 deficiency?

I gave a copy of PAS checklist to my GPs with all my symptoms ticked.

pernicious-anaemia-society.... see checklist

b12deficiency.info/signs-an...

b12d.org/admin/healthcheck/...

I wrote a very detailed reply on thread below about B12 and there may be some useful info.

healthunlocked.com/pasoc/po...

It is possible to have severe B12 deficiency with B12 levels that are within range.

b12deficiency.info/what-to-...

b12deficiency.info/b12-writ...

I am not a medic just a person who has struggled to get a diagnosis.

[DJ_1996 in reply to Sleepybunny]

Thanks for all of the links. I will read them this weekend. I have learnt so much from this board - people have been so helpful.