B12 injections and low dose naltrexone (LDN)

[boisland]

I have recently started using LDN (.25mg) w/ positive effects, however it recently seems like I need to increase my B12 injections. I have only been using LDN for a month. Maybe it is just a coincidence but would like others to share their experience/knowledge about this combination.

[J972]

Hi, just out of interest can you please expand on why you are taking LDN? Is it for pain relief? Thanks

[boisland in reply to J972]

J972 I have antibodies suggestive of Hashimotos, however I am being told I do not have Hashimoto thyroiditis based on my TSH level ? . It is my understanding LDN can lower the antibodies, hence I thought I would try. I immediately noticed an improvement, however at the same time I required more B12 than normal. I am not sure whether the positive response made me do more physically, hence the need for more B12 inj.

[J972 in reply to boisland]

Hi there

That’s interesting, I’ve not heard that before (I’m usually on the thyroid uk forum). Might it be worth joining and posting there? There’s lots of people on the forum who have both a thyroid condition and B12 deficiency, plus a few LDN users. If you go ahead, I would recommend you include your latest thyroid blood test results for reference.

All the best

[boisland in reply to J972]

Thank you for sharing the Thyroid UK forum. Is that a facebook group? I will join and see what they have to say.

[J972 in reply to boisland]

No, Healthunlocked, just round virtual corner 😊

A truly remarkable resource:

healthunlocked.com/thyroiduk

[boisland in reply to J972]

J972 - Thank you for your suggestion, which I will pursue. 😊

[Litatamon in reply to boisland]

All the best to you with the Naltrexone. My thyroid is gone, but my niece had linked me a study in Ireland about them inadvertently finding the positive effects of Naltrexone on the thyroid. If my memory serves me well, I believe the study started off as a fertility study.

I am one who has thyroid and b12 issues, but don't have anything helpful to add for you. Just wanted to wish you the best with trying Naltrexone.

Wait, judging whether you have Hashimoto's based on the TSH makes no sense. Hashimoto's can potentially start in a hyper phase and/or have swings. It is the antibodies that highlight its existence (although 20% of those with Hashimoto's never have raised antibodies.)

[boisland in reply to Litatamon]

LItatamon - I believe people who do not have "antibodies" have Hypothyroidism that is related to a problem with your thyroid gland: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is a problem with your immune function, hence the antibodies. I agree waiting for a TSH to reflect an issue makes no sense especially when you have the antibodies. Thank you for your response.

[Litatamon in reply to boisland]

I understand the difference boisland.

Yes absolutely when one does not have antibodies & one has a raised TSH most of the time it is strictly hypothyroidism without Hashimoto's (or Ord's).

However the comment I made about how one can have Hashimoto's without any raised antibodies showing (up to 20% they believe) is true. I read it in research papers before I found the Thyroid UK section & it has been regularly repeated by others over there, mostly to new members trying to understand their condition.

..

Anyway. I am off topic of your original post- hope you figure out your b12 frequency.

[boisland in reply to Litatamon]

Litatamon: Thank you again .. I did not know one could have Hashi's thyroiditis w/o raised antibodies showing up.. Similar to the Intrinsic Factor test for PA, it can be negative yet you can still have PA.. These conditions are similar. Determining B12 injections schedules are so personal.

[Mixteca in reply to J972]

ldnresearchtrust.org/what-i...

[boisland in reply to Mixteca]

Mixteca thank you the sight was helpful.

[OldmanD]

There is also a site called Stop The Thyroid Madness. . . . . . . Spent time on it in the past and to be honest I think Thyroid problems are treated similarly to B12 problems. . . . . If ye dont fit within these guidelines of ours ye dont get help and the door duly opens at that point. . . . .I didnt have thyroid problems but I found it very interesting. . . . . . .

[boisland in reply to OldmanD]

OldmanD - Thank you I did spend some time reviewing the Stop The Thyroid Madness site. which lead me to seek treatment before of if I develop Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. My antibodies increased and response was: all other reading fine let's wait? Wait for what I thought, wait until I develop the thyroiditis..

[NaturesChild123]

Am on LDN (for Hashimotos and other autoimmune issues) along with injectable hydroxocobalamin for PA. In my experience, B12 needs can vary based on any number of factors but I had long term, undiagnosed PA with nerve damage and everyone's needs can vary greatly.

That being said, while my thyroid antibodies were quite elevated when I received the diagnosis of Hashimotos based on antibodies, alone, all thyroid hormones were within the far end of "normal" range. I now supplement with a bovine thyroid capsule and my thyroid hormone numbers have improved all around, now within the middle of the normal range.

All of this to say, everyone's experience can vary greatly. I do know that at times of increased stress and physical demand, I do require much more B12 to keep my PA symptoms from worsening.

Wishing you the best in health and healing.

[boisland in reply to NaturesChild123]

Reply to NaturesChild123 Thank you for the response. I will continue with the LDN and perhaps the increased energy benefit is causing a demand on my B12 as I am doing more activities.

[Mixteca]

I'm about to start that myself. Great you've noticed a difference that quickly.

[boisland in reply to Mixteca]

Mixteca I was recently on a call hosted by LDN Research Trust - Low Dose Naltrexone regarding dosing amongst other subjects. They now believe the "key" to dosing is starting low and titrating up to find your sweet spot. I believe the speaker advised the sweet spot ranges from 1.5 mg to 16mg. I started on .25mg and have found relief at that dose. Much like b12 injections some need more frequently than others.

[Mixteca in reply to boisland]

That's interesting. My prescriber said to start on 1.5ml, which feels high to me as I've heard the same. Will be starting on less and seeing how it goes.

[Mixteca in reply to boisland]

Did you experience any side effects?

[boisland in reply to Mixteca]

Mixteca I seem to be able to sleep harder, other than that I have not noticed any.

[QueenStromba]

I found your post because I was wondering the exact same thing. Did you ever find a different reason for needing more B12 or did it resolve?

[boisland in reply to QueenStromba]

QueenStromba I believe b/cuz the LDN may be feel better I began to do more activities, hence the need for more B12. I stopped the LDN as I was getting horrible body feelings which are hard to describe . These bad body feeling force me to stop what I am doing and lay down until they pass. I could not be sure if it was related to the LDN or NEEDING more B12. I am going to give LDN another try as I really did feel good while taking it. I recently began to take Natural Bovine Colostrum. It is to early to tell if helping. I did see in a reply on this same thread it was helping w/ their thyroid numbers. This is such a Jungling act.