I was diagnosed with an underactive thyroid last October when my TSH was 10.3. It is now down to 1.10 but I was told I have Hashimotos with my thyroid peroxidase antibodies at 341 iu/mL (<109 iu/mL). My B12 levels are also low at 196 ng/L (180-999 ng/L).
I have read on this forum that people with Hashimotos should go gluten free. Do you think I need to do this now that my TSH is in range? My doc is also testing me for Coeliac disease.
Would be great if anyone could advise the best steps forwards.
Many thanks
Amy
Written by
Amesrichie
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How are you feeling and what symptoms remain? As your B12 is low it could indicate an absorption problem which might be improved by going gluten free and it may help to reduce antibodies so could be worth a 3 month trial. Has your doctor done further tests to find out why vitamin B12 is low? You should have intrinsic factor antibodies test.
Thanks for your message. I definitely feel better than I did. I’ve been taking a b12 supplement and probiotics which have have helped. I’ll see if I can get IF test done too.
Appreciate your help. This thyroid business is a pretty complex one to understand.
As the nature of Hashi's is that the antibodies fluctuate, and your test results will fluctuate, and the fact that a gluten free diet can help reduce antibodies, it makes sense to go gluten free. You don't have to be Coeliac for a gluten free diet to help reduce antibodies, so when you have completed your Coeliac test you will most likely benefit from adopting a gluten free diet.
Also, supplementing with selenium L-selenomethionine 200mcg daily can help reduce antibodies, as can keeping TSH suppressed.
Amesrichie I missed your B12 level last night. It is very low. Was folate tested, also ferritin and Vit D? All very important and all need to be at optimal levels.
Do you have any signs of B12 Deficiency - check here b12deficiency.info/signs-an... then you really should post on the Pernicious Anaemia Society forum for further advice healthunlocked.com/pasoc Your level really is too low to self supplement, you may need testing for Pernicious Anaemia, you may need B12 injections, members with levels in the 200s and 300s have been given injections.
This has just reached the replete range (which is 75-200) but the level recommended by the Vit D Council is 100-150nmol/L so as it's winter I would be supplementing at around 2000iu D3 daily, along with D3's important cofactors 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 fattiest meal of the day, D3 four hours away from thyroid meds.
Magnesium helps D3 to work and 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
I do think this way of measuring folate is silly, it's much better to see where you are within a range. All I can say it's over the level where there's a problem, but at what point over 3 is optimal I don't know.
I still think you should post on the PA forum about your low B12 level of 196 ng/L (180-999 ng/L)
, I think you may need further testing re intrinsic factor, especially if you have signs of B12 deficiency. I wouldn't be comfortable suggesting self supplementing with your low level of B12.
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Serum ferritin- 55 ug/L (13.00-150.00 ug/L)
For thyroid hormone to work (that's our own as well as replacement hormone) ferritin needs to be at least 70, preferably half way through range. You can help raise your level by eating liver regularly, maximum 200g per week due to it's high Vit A content, and including lots of iron rich foods in your diet apjcn.nhri.org.tw/server/in...
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Serum T4 26.2 pmol/L (10.80-25.50pmol/L)
This is slightly over range, but your TSH at 1.1 doesn't really warrant a reduction in dose, unless you feel overmedicated. I think FT3 should always be tested to give the full picture.
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As I don't have Hashi's I have never bought a book specifically to do with that. However, I have seen The Root Cause (by Izabella Wentz) recommended.
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