So sorry! Another supplement enquiry. B vitamin... - Thyroid UK

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So sorry! Another supplement enquiry. B vitamins, excluding b12?

sip1 profile image
sip1
6 Replies

I received my sublingual b12 vitamins today (1000 mcg Methylcobalamin, taking 2 to begin with as level is 372 ng/L [> 180]) but I wonder whether I should still be supplementing with other b vits as well, including folic acid (my folate is 16 ng/ml [4.6 - 34.8)? I don't want to miss important ones out, particularly if they all work together. Your advice most appreciated!

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SeasideSusie profile image
SeasideSusieRemembering

Yes Sip. When taking B12 we need a B Complex to balance all the B vitamins. Folate should be at least half way through range. A B Complex might contain enough methylfolate to raise your folate level to save taking folic acid separately.

sip1 profile image
sip1 in reply toSeasideSusie

Thank you - you must be getting sick of me! How much folate should I be looking at taking?

SeasideSusie profile image
SeasideSusieRemembering in reply tosip1

The good brands tend to contain 200 or 400mcg. Personally I would be looking at 400mcg as you want to increase your level. Minimum half way, higher isn't a problem as long as B12 is good.

sip1 profile image
sip1 in reply toSeasideSusie

Thanks so much. I'm struggling to get my head around these vitamins etc and I'm just concerned I'm either going to take too much, or too little. If I took 400mcg - should I drop that down to 200 in a few weeks?

SeasideSusie profile image
SeasideSusieRemembering in reply tosip1

Personally I would see how it goes on 400mcg until you retest. It took me two and a half months to go from very bottom of range to very top with a B Complex that contained 400mcg. I then changed to a different supplement advised by a practioner I consulted and that one contained 200mcg. My folate level reduced quite considerably. I'm now back on a B Complex which contains 400mcg and I take it 5 days a week. We have to experiment and see what works best for us as individuals.

bluebug profile image
bluebug in reply tosip1

B vitamins are water soluble so you will pee any excess out so don't worry about taking a good B complex that is recommended on here.

Generally on the forum posters will warn you about vitamins and minerals where taking a large amount is or can be a problem.

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