B12 & other vitamins

[Sue394]

This is my first posting and I would appreciate your thoughts.

After being unwell for 8 months and thinking it was my Thyroid as I have Thyroid nodules I went to see my G.P. He did a full blood count, TSH & T4 and at my request B12. My thyroid came back as normal but my B12 was just in range at 216 range 211 -911. However in view of my symptoms my doctor thinks I am not absorbing and prescribed 5 loading doses of B12 and then one every three months. My symptoms began to improve after 3 injections and I felt much better after the 5, my fatigue had improved and the pains in my hands disappeared although these have returned intermittently. I am due my next injection mid November.

As my doctor had not tested my Thyroid anti bodies I had already purchased a Medicare kit and decided to send this off anyway at the beginning of October. Whilst my Thyroid as expected was ok I am concerned regarding other results.

Medicare do an Active B12 and this was 188 range 25.10 - 165. High but to be expected.

Folate 7 range 2.91 - 50 low in range.

Ferritin 313 range 13 - 150 This is very high.

How can my Folate be so low and Ferritin so high. I was looking to take a B Complex with Folate in but the one recommended on the Thyroid forum includes Vit C which I believe aids the absorption of iron which I do not need. Any thoughts?

I saw the Endocrinologist last week and he is repeating bloods including Folate and Ferritin so if it is still high I am sure he will comment.

My Vitamin D is still a little low despite supplementing for 3 months there has been no improvement.

Apologies for this posting being so long.

[fbirder]

If your symptoms start returning before the 3 monthly jab then ask to be switched to two monthly. If he says he isn't allowed to do that just ask him to check the latest version of the BNF. They've recently changed the dosing guidelines.

I wouldn't bother with a multi-vitamin. If you want to increase your intake of folate then I'd take 400 mcg a day from the supermarket.

[Sue394 in reply to fbirder]

Thank you fbirder for your advice.

[Happysmile]

I am not medically trained but have low B12 and have been treated for nearly a year and a half with great success. From my own research and advice from groups, your folate needs to be towards the top of the range. B12 and folate work together and folate is needed to activate B12. Without it you may not feel the benefit of the injections. Personally, I need injections every other day else my neurological symptoms return. Maybe read the book ‘Could it be B12’ and books from the Pernicious anaemia society to help understand B12. Of course, the people on this forum have great knowledge too. Good luck with it all.

[deniseinmilden in reply to Happysmile]

Great advice.

I hope you get it sorted Sue.

[Sue394 in reply to Happysmile]

Many thanks. I think I will try and get my Folate levels up before increasing my B12. Will definitely get the book you have recommended.

[Marymary7]

Why don't you put your blood results up on the thyroid sister site. When the gp says results are fine for thyroid they are often far from that. They will give you excellent advice on vitamin supplements and how thyroid and b12 deficiency seem to go together. 'Better You' brand vit D plus K2 sublingual spray is very good and their Methylcobalamin b12 sublingual spray works well too.

Good luck.

[Sue394 in reply to Marymary7]

Many thanks for your reply. I have put my results on the Thyroid site and they suggested a Complex B with Folate. I already supplement with Better You Vit D with K2 gels plus take Magnesium. I was taking 2000iu per day but have now increased this to 3000. Following my visit to the Endocrinologist I am having a comprehensive blood test which includes Thyroid Antibodies and it will be interesting to see the latest results as my TSH was up on the 1 October compared to the ones taken in July. The last ones taken only a month ago were well in range.