Is low iron level relevant?

[ADDG]

I have auto-immune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's). I have long had problems absorbing B12, B9 and iron. Just before the first lockdown in March 2020, I was diagnosed with pernicious anaemia. Please could someone tell me whether pernicious anaemia accounts also for low B9 and low iron?

I now have regular B12 injections and orally take 800mcg B9 daily (having been on 5mg for 6 months). My last blood test (October) showed normal iron level but towards bottom of range. In the last 2-3 weeks, large purple patches have again appeared on my hands - as they did in March/April 2020 when I was told at A&E they were due to low B12 - and likewise numbness in my feet. Any ideas on what could be causing these problems now, please?

Many thanks to all.

[Gambit62 Administrator]

PA is an auto-immune disorder of the gut - it attacks the mechanism that accounts for most B12 absorption - in the ileum. It can also destroy the cells that produce acidity which is essential for absorbing nutrients from food. Most commonly affected are folate (B9) and iron. B9 is also absorbed in the ileum so that makes it particularly likely to be affected. Hypothyroidism can also affect absorption of vitamins and minerals because it can affect transit through the gut.How frequently do you have injections - if you have neurological symptom then the standard would be every 2 months in the UK - but many find this isn't frequent enough.

[ADDG in reply to Gambit62]

Many thanks. Since the summer I'm having injections every 2-3 weeks (self-administered) and my folate levels when tested in October were high. The purple patches and strange feel to feet returned a month ago. I don't know what to do next. I haven't seen a GP since being given the PA diagnosis in March 2020. The GP who made the correct diagnosis and who understood PA left the practice shortly afterwards and, in desperation at the level of ignorance among the other GPs, I changed practice. I'm not properly on my new practice's system and can only access them by phone and they will deal only with emergencies. Given the current NHS crisis, I don't feel I can properly say this is an emergency. I just need advice from someone who understands the condition.

[doityourself]

Hi ADDGI am interested to know if anyone can spread light on the reason for the purple patches on your hands you talk about. I get them as a result if the slightest impact, mainly on my legs.

[ADDG in reply to doityourself]

Hi. My purple patches aren't bruising - they appear spontaneously and used to disappear quite quickly. Now they fade slowly. Good luck in sorting yours out.

[Ghound]

Hi, I just don't have the energy or time to swot up on the complicated relationships and processes of iron within the body. What I do know is that for YEARS I had unexplained iron deficiency anaemia with very low ferritin levels.

Then it transpired that I also had symptoms of B12 deficiency.

Despite not having much knowledge, it was obvious to me that there is a link.

Best wishes and hope you keep well. X

[Marz]

I also have Hashimotos and a B12 issue due to surgery. As you are well treated with your B12 injections I am wondering if you are being well treated for your thyroid ? So many symptoms of both conditions can overlap .... 🌻

[Ecf123]

I too have hashimotos and just now doctors finally think pernicious anemia. My symptoms were heart palpitations, headaches, hair loss and worst of all psychosis/delusions. I will tell you only thing that made symptoms go away was deplin which is prescription folate. So yes b12 and folate and iron all messed up in pernicious. Also I found article where hyperthyroid patients more prone to b12 deficiency. So I think it’s excess thyroid hormone that causes the problem. They say it’s hypothyroidism but I think it’s the medication causing the deficiency. I don’t know but when they doubled my thyroid meds my iron plummeted and had my first bout of psychosis. Hope this helps.