Vitamin advice

[Tiredteach]

Hi guys. I just wanted to ask what doses of vitamin d and b12 you'd recommend based on my results:

B12= 238 (250-750)

Vit D= 63 nmol (50-175)

My gp says my levels are fine, but after reading some of the posts on here, I don't think that is true.

[helvella Administrator]

Issues with B12 are common in those with thyroid problems.

Posts about B12 are on-topic here in Thyroid UK and perfectly reasonable. However, the Pernicious Anaemia Society forum is where there is much experience and knowledge about B12. You can find the forum by following this link:

healthunlocked.com/pasoc

You are likely to find the Pinned Posts a good place to start.

(Pernicious Anaemia is a particular form of B12 caused by an autoimmune process. However, the lack of B12 is the critical issue and most of the problems are due to that.)

[dang]

Your b12 is deficient and your doctor doesn't want to pursue it? I would normally recommend dosage but since your levels are so low I think you should go to the pernicious anemia society on health unlocked and ask their recommendations.

For vitamin D I would take 5,000IU per day oil capsules (not tablets as they don't absorb well) for 3 months and then re-test. Try to get a good 10-15 minutes each day of sun exposure during the summer as well. Take vitamin D at least 4 hours away from thyroid meds.

[Mary-intussuception]

I would see a different GP at the practice urgently and query Pernicious Anemia or just Query diagnosis of low B12.

You also need blood tests for Folate and Ferritin.

Perhaps GP would then look at Folate result together with LOW and BELOW range B12 levels.

I would ask for referal to Haematology.

At least get Folate blood test which is probably low. I would want low B12 addressed. Have you checked your symptoms against B12 and Folate deficiencies?

Go armed when you see another GP. I would write a list of my symptoms to take with me.

All the best with this.

X🐥

[Marz]

b12deficiency.info/signs-an...

Scroll down in the above link to view the signs and symptoms of Low B12 - if left untreated it can become a neurological issue as I know to my cost. Docs have little knowledge on these very important matters.

[Tiredteach]

Wow! I didn't realise. I will query this with my gp.

My serum folate was:

29.97 (8-60)

My ferritin was:

55 (11-336)

[Mary-intussuception in reply to Tiredteach]

Well they are far better than mine!

Still query the B12 though.

X🐥

[bluebug in reply to Tiredteach]

The ferritin is well within range and the folate is nearly halfway in range so the GP won't do anything.

However you need to chase you vitamin B12 result up and not allow the GP to leave it. Ask the GP very clearly why s/he thinks a below range lab result is ok and what is the point of the lab having ranges if that is so.

It is likely the GP will just prescribe vitamin B12 supplements and junk ones at that. However least that is something rather than stating your below range results are "fine".

[humanbean]

My ferritin was:

55 (11-336)

Your ferritin is 13.5% of the way through the reference range. In your shoes I would want ferritin to be around halfway through the range, which is about 175. However, I would also want to know the results of a full blood count and an iron panel if you can get them, before supplementing.

[Saggyuk]

Definitely get your B12 addressed and Pernicious anaemia ruled out. You should get B12 injections. Just to rule out the obvious, are you a vegan? If Doc thinks under range B12 is okay, you need to get a new one

Ferritin can be misleading so you might want a full blood count and iron panel too.

[Justliloldme]

My B12 was 238 too. My GP never mentioned it as an issue as it was 'in range'. After posting on here I now take one of these a day amazon.co.uk/Jarrow-Methylc... & one of these amazon.co.uk/Jarrows-B-Righ...

My B12 is now over 800 & I feel much better - just need to sort my thyroid out now