Here are results of ferritin, folate, vitamin D and B12 as requested. Any advice regarding them would be appreciated.
Thankyou
Ferritin 17 (15 - 150 premenopausal females)
Folate 1.92 (2.5 - 19.5)
Vitamin B12 188 (180 - 900)
Total vitamin D 41.5 (>75)
Looks like an absorption problem. Your ferritin is extremely low, you may not be anaemic but you are iron deficient. You are at risk of fatigue, restless legs syndome and perhaps anxiety at this level. Take iron bisglycinate or fumerate to try to raise it, it will be a slow process.
You need to start on D3 supplements immediately, look at the vit d council site for full advice. Again fatigue is linked to this and aneccdotally plantar fasciitis is too.
Your b12 is insufficient, don't supplement this till you have asked your gp for further tests, intrinsic factor antibodies and mma being two. Go across to the PA forum and read up there. Folate is low too, but the PA forum say don't supplement this till you've got your b12 up, so that's on hold.
It may be due to low stomach acid cos of hypothyroidism, or celiac, which can be ruled out with a test, or autoimmune gastritis. It's all very common on this forum. You will feel better once these levels improve.
Jayjay44
Ferritin 17 (15 - 150) - Please discuss this with your GP. This should be half way through it's range. It is so low he should at the very least prescribe iron tablets, maybe even offer iron injections. Also ask for a complete iron panel. If prescribed iron tablets take each one with 1000mg Vit C to aid absorption and help prevent constipation. If you take thyroid meds take iron 4 hours away, also other meds and supplements as it affects their absorption. Eating liver once a week helps raise ferritin level.
Vitamin B12 188 (180 - 900) - Again discuss with your GP and ask to be tested for Pernicious Anaemia. It is so low you may need B12 injections. The recommended level is top of the range, 900-1000. Anything under 500 can cause neurological problems.
Folate 1.92 (2.5 - 19.5) - When taking B12 supplements we need a B Complex to balance the B vits. Thorne Basic B or Jarrows B Right both contain 400mcg methylfolate which will help raise your under range folate. Leafy greens also help raise folate. Folate should be at least half way through it's range.
B vits should be taken in the morning, no later than lunchtime, as they are stimulating.
Total vitamin D 41.5 (>75) - this is deficient. Recommended level is 100-150nmol/L. Buy some D3 (softgels are best in my opinion) 5000iu and take one daily for 2 months then re-test. When you reach the recommended level reduce to 5000iu alternate days as a maintenance dose.
When taking Vit D we also need it's important co-factors K2-MK7 and magnesium. D3 aids absorption of calcium from food and K2 directs the calcium to bones and teeth rather than arteries and soft tissues. D3 and K2 are fat soluble and should be taken with the fattiest meal of the day.
Magnesium comes in different forms naturalnews.com/046401_magn... - see which would suit you best and take in the evening as it is calming.
Hi I new here others have loads more experience on results but your B12 is very low I've got my up by using an organic super B12 patch and a multi B vitamins I feel a lot better I'm unsure it's not only that as I've done lots if other changes but I used to get Vertigo quite badly and haven't had an attack for quite a while now. There had been mentioned that low B12 is linked to ear problems it maybe a coincidence that my Mum had bad attacks of vertigo and also had PA
Good luck
I've just looked at yr other post .. you are under medicated for your hypo, and a lot of the symptoms you list would directly relate to your nutrient deficiencies too. Dark circles .. probably the iron deficiency, eg. The absorption may well just be from the Hashis. Still try to get other causes ruled out.
You must be feeling terrible, but there is hope, you can improve all this.
You'll likely want to consider a gluten free diet. Low iron, low D, and thyroid issues can result from intestinal damage due to gluten.
A Paleo Diet is an easy way to go - lots of recipes and cookbooks these days.
In addition to absorption issues, you may have some genetic issues causing you to need more folate and B12. Not having enough can deplete you of glutathione, your body's most powerful antioxidant, and leave you vulnerable to heavy metal toxicity, like mercury, lead, etc., cancers, or chronic fatigue syndrome.
In addition to the other suggestions, you may want to look into Thorne Methyl Guard or Methyl Guard Plus, which are more potent versions of the most bioavailable forms of these, along with cofactors like B2. And do retest, too much folate isn't good either, though I agree B12 should be 800-1200.
Definitely do a full iron panel, and get vitamin D to the top of the range - low levels are correlated with cancers. The cofactors mentioned above are good, too.
Only start one supplement at a time and then wait at least 10 days to see reaction, before adding another supplement.
Ask GP for blood test for coeliac, but be aware this test only picks up 50%.
Ferritin, folate, vitamin B12, vitamin D results
Ferritin, folate, vitamin D, vitamin B12, selenium, zinc
Ferritin, folate, vitamin D, B12
