Help with supplements

[Amethyst85]

Hi here are results for other things. GP ordered B12 injections due to B12 deficiency and ferrous fumarate for iron deficiency anaemia. I take 1 iron tablet a day and 800iu D3 and 5mcg folic acid once a day thank you

B12 148 (180 - 900)

Folate 2.3 (2.5 - 19.5)

Vitamin D 33.5 (25 - 50 deficiency)

Ferritin 22 (30 - 400)

[Clutter]

Amethyst85,

My understanding is that B12 injections should be initiated 48 hours in advance of folic acid supplementation.

800iu is totally insufficient to treat deficiency. Your GP should refer to local guidelines or the NICE CKS recommendations for treating vitamin D deficient adults cks.nice.org.uk/vitamin-d-d...

Alternatively you can buy vitamin D3 without prescription. I suggest 10,000iu daily x 6 weeks then reduce to 5,000iu and retest in 3-4 months. If you buy on Amazon please use the affiliate link healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

You'll never correct iron deficiency on 1 x Ferrous Fumarate daily. You need 2 or 3 which should be taken 1,000mg vitamin C which aids absorption and minimises constipation. Retest ferritin in 4-6 months.

Vitamin D and iron should be taken 4 hours away from Levothyroxine and T3.

[Amethyst85 in reply to Clutter]

Thanks I always keep thyroid meds at least 4 or more hours away from vitamin D and iron and folic acid

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Amethyst

B12 148 (180 - 900)

Folate 2.3 (2.5 - 19.5)

These seem to be taken care of by your GP, so just ensure that when you are monitored you get the results and see if your levels are improving.

Vitamin D 33.5 (25 - 50 deficiency) - 800iu D3 daily

800iu daily isn't going to raise your level but it's probably as much as the guidelines allow your GP to prescribe.

The recommended level is 100-150nmol/L and you would be better off buying your own D3 softgels and taking a decent dose. These are good bodykind.com/product/2463-b... and I would take 10,000iu daily for 6 weeks to give your level a good boost then reduce to 5000iu daily. Retest after 3 months, privately if necessary with City Assays vitamindtest.org.uk/index.html When you've reached the recommended level you will need to find your maintenance dose which could be 1000-2000iu daily. Retesting is recommended once or twice a year to keep within the recommended range.

When taking D3 there are important cofactors needed vitamindcouncil.org/about-v...

D3 aids absorption of calcium from food and K2-MK7 directs the calcium to bones and teeth where it is needed and away from arteries and soft tissues where it can be deposited and cause problems.

D3 and K2 are fat soluble so should be taken with the fatties meal of the day, D3 four hours away from thyroid meds.

Magnesium comes in different forms, check to see which would suit you best and as it's calming it's best taken in the evening, four hours away from thyroid meds naturalnews.com/046401_magn...

Ferritin 22 (30 - 400) Plus iron deficiency anaemia - taking 1 ferrous fumarate daily

These are the NICE Clinical Knowledge Summary treatment guidelines for iron deficiency anaemia, please discuss with your GP, get him to check local area guidelines and ask to be treated appropriately, which Ferrous Fumarate two or three times daily

cks.nice.org.uk/anaemia-iro...

How should I treat iron deficiency anaemia?

•Address underlying causes as necessary (for example treat menorrhagia or stop nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, if possible).

•Treat with oral ferrous sulphate 200 mg tablets two or three times a day.

◦If ferrous sulphate is not tolerated, consider oral ferrous fumarate tablets or ferrous gluconate tablets.

◦Do not wait for investigations to be carried out before prescribing iron supplements.

•If dietary deficiency of iron is thought to be a contributory cause of iron deficiency anaemia, advise the person to maintain an adequate balanced intake of iron-rich foods (for example dark green vegetables, iron-fortified bread, meat, apricots, prunes, and raisins) and consider referral to a dietitian.

• Monitor the person to ensure that there is an adequate response to iron treatment.

When taking iron tablets, take each one with 1000mg Vit C to aid absorption and help prevent constipation. Iron should be taken four hours away from thyroid meds and two hours away from any other medication and supplements as it affects their absorption.

[Amethyst85 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thanks I have tried taking vitamin C with iron but I am yet to find one gentle enough on the stomach and I keep vitamin D and folic acid and iron 4 or more hours away from thyroid meds

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Amethyst85]

Are you using Ascorbic Acid? There are other forms which are more gentle. Vit C is needed for absorption of iron.

[Amethyst85 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Hi yes I was initially taking ascorbic acid

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Amethyst85]

Look at other forms then, quite a few out there.

[shaws Administrator]

Re your low B12 result I hope the doctor has run an intrinsic factor test to ensure you do not have Pernicious Anaemia. Pernicious anaemia is another serious autoimmune disease. Pop over to the Pernicious Anaemia Society and ask for their advice.

[Amethyst85 in reply to shaws]

Thanks no intrinsic factor has not been tested