B12

[Sjh1966]

Hi, just wondered if anyone knows about B12 on here? I have an underactive thyroid & on thyroxine, but have had a blood test to check my B12 level. It has come back as 111 pj/ml. I'm sure this is low but is it connected to thyroid?

Thanks 

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Yes, it is low. pg/ml is the same as ng/l and the range using ng/l is, according to the test I had done last year, is 191-663. Even using that range, the range in UK starts too low, in Japan it starts at 500. Optimal level for B12 is around 1000. 

Less than optimal levels of vitamins and minerals (B12, Vit D, ferritin and Folate) means that thyroid hormone can't be used properly. You should supplement with sublingual methylcobalamin, Solgar and Jarrows both do them. Also take a B Complex to balance the B Vits.

[Hidden]

What I do know thanks to advice on this forum..is that since increasing my B12 which is now optimal and Vitamin D3 and K2, my brain fog rarely raises it's ugly head. SeasideSusie has given good advice.x

[Gambit62]

There is a strong correlation between B12 absorption problems and thyroid problems - as both can be related to auto-immune responses and people often tend to have multiple auto-immune problems.

There are also some areas where B12 and thyroid processes overlap so there could be a link.  

There is also quite a significant overlap in symptoms of B12 and thyroid problems.

However, a B12 deficiency is a serious condition in its own right and if left untreated will result in neurological problems, anaemia and will eventually kill you.  Important to get it treated - and important to get it treated properly

Low levels in serum generally occur because of an absorption problem - though can be dietary (B12 is only found in animal products so if you don't eat much meat/fish/dairy/eggs then you are at a high risk) - though it can take a very long time for deficiency to occur because the body is very efficient at storing and recycling B12 ... unless there is an absorption problem.

Strongly recommend that you join the PAS forum.

[Sjh1966]

Thank you for all replies, most helpful 

[greygoose]

Another link between low B12 - and many other nutrients - and hypo, is that hypos often have low stomach acid, and therefore do not digest their food properly, making it difficult to absorb the nutrients out of the food. Have you also had your vit D, folate and ferritin tested? Because they, too, could be low. 

[Sjh1966 in reply to greygoose]

I haven't but they are next on my list