I’ve just had some test results back from Thriva confirming my low vitamin levels.
I’m looking at taking Jarrow methyl B12 and Thorn basic B to get my levels up and maintain them but I’m not sure on dosage.
Also considering BetterYou Vit D+K2 spray. Again not sure on dosage but do understand that Vid D does better for absorption with the fattiest meal of the day?
If anyone has some general pointers on starting and maintenance doses, cofactors etc it would be greatly received!
Not sure why the units of measurement are different!
Background: currently on levo 75 and feeling generally quite well with a few symptoms lingering to some degree. Mostly those that cross over with B12 deficiency like tinnitus, week trunk and arms, poor balance, pins and needles, more easily fatigued that I should be.
Thanks for reading
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hjh88
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You mention in your profile that you have tested positive for antibodies, so that confirms autoimmune thyroid disease aka Hashimoto's.
For best absorption, a Vit D spray is recommended and because it bypasses the stomach you dont have to worry about taking it with the fattiest meal of the day. So you could go for the BetterYou combined D3/K2 spray.
With your Vit D level of 43 nmol/L, to reach the level recommended by the Vit D Council, the Vit D Society and Grassroots Health (100-150nmol/L) the Vit D Council suggests:
To achieve 100nmol/L take 3200 IU D3 daily
To achieve 125nmol/L take 4900 IU
To achieve 150nmol/L take 7000 IU
As it's approaching winter and we can no longer make Vit D naturally from the sun, we draw on our stores made during the summer so our level goes down, so personally I'd aim for the upper end of the recommended range.
I would take 6000iu D3 daily for 6 weeks then reduce to 3000iu daily, then retest in March. Once you've reached the recommended level then you'll need a maintenance dose which may be 2000iu daily, maybe more or less, maybe less in summer than winter, it's trial and error so it's recommended to retest once or twice a year to keep within the recommended range. You can do this with a private fingerprick blood spot test with City Assays vitamindtest.org.uk/
Besides K2, another important cofactor of D3 is magnesium. We need magnesium so that the body utilises D3, it's required to convert Vit D into it's active form. So it's important we ensure we take magnesium when supplementing with D3.
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
With the BetterYou spray, check how many sprays you need to give the amount required.
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Folate
5.5 nmol/L (8.83-60.8)
You need to see your GP about this. You are folate deficient and this needs looking into. You will possibly be prescribed folic acid. Don't try and sort this yourself, it's your GP's job.
Active B12
55.5 pmol/L (37.5-188)
This is low and according to this article viapath.co.uk/our-tests/act... anything below 70pmol/L should be tested for B12 deficiency so ask your GP about this.
Check for signs of B12 deficiency here b12deficiency.info/signs-an... and list any that are relevant to show your GP. They should take more notice of signs and symptoms than numbers.
If you are prescribed folic acid then don't start taking it until further investigation into your B12 has been carried out, folic acid masks signs of B12 deficiency and should be delayed until testing has been completed and B12 injections or supplementation started.
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Your profile says that your Ferritin - is 56 ug/L (13.00-150.00). 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...
Thanks @SeasideSusie! That’s such a lot of great info to draw on.
I’ll start with the Vit D and have a chat to the doctor about folate. Difficulty might be that all of the tests I’ve had so far though the NHS have consistently shown me exactly on the bottom value for the fabled “normal”. So far I’ve been concentrating on getting my thyroid looking sensible - pick your battles. Now that’s looking more sensible it’s time to pick up this battle clearly!!
Thanks again for your guidance, I really appreciate it
I don't mean to hijack hjh88 however, I'm sort of in this situation too. I hope to get thyroid stable, then do private vit test and start on that. (Though I am gluten free, take D3 will get one with k2 when this runs out, magnesium, vit c, after your previous advice).
Still working with endocrinologist to get my thyroid health sorted. It is a long job! He did write to my GP saying I had been very unwell for a long time. He also stated that I will get better but it will take time. It is taking time. Though, I understand what his plan is.
My levothyroxine dose was stripped back from 125mcg to 75mcg in January. Over time, it went up to 100mcg, for the last week I'm back on 125mcg. I won't bore you with whys.. you have helped me before.. suffice to say, this is the current dose. I see endocrinologist again in November.
When my dose was increased to 100mcg, I questioned my B12 reading (after being on 75mcg levothyroxine), which had increased to 412 (200-900). Endo suggested I buy OTC B-complex. I did, and it helps reduce symptoms.
Incidentally, when I was very unwell 4 years ago, my B12 was 320, every Dr I asked about it being low, ? causing walking problems, insisted, No, telling me its in range!!
Endo did not test for B12 folate ferritin last time. However, he has given me next pre Nov blood form, and has put them on that.
So, my B-complex has folic acid, and biotene in it (I know! I was desperate bought first organic one on shelf). Should I stop B-complex before Nov blood test? If so, how long before?
I stopped vitamins for 5 days before last blood test. I soon developed cellulite in my leg and whilst taking antibiotics for that, I got an ear infection, had to have another, different antibiotic then!
I do take daily probiotic. Not a good one. I'm still learning. Taking very small steps. I just do not want to get very unwell as I did 4 years ago. I also don't want to need antibiotics again due to stopping vitamins before Nov blood test, but think I should?
So sorry for this long winded post SS. I just really value your experience. I am much better since following some of the advice you give. I know its no good just swallowing levothyroxine everyday without addressing nutrients.
So, my B-complex has folic acid, and biotene in it (I know! I was desperate bought first organic one on shelf). Should I stop B-complex before Nov blood test? If so, how long before?
Yes, as it contains Biotin. 3-5 days off your B Complex before the blood draw. No need to worry about anything else, just the Biotin as it gives false results with blood tests (and not just thyroid) if biotin is used in the assay.
Testing B12 whilst supplementing will show whether your are taking enough or too little. If you want a baseline B12 level you have to be off a B12 supplement for 4-5 months. If you've been low and want to see if your level is improving then testing whilst supplementing is a way of finding out if you need to take more, or are taking too much.
Folate again, if supplementing, testing will tell you if you are maintaining a good level on your current dose or whether you need to increase or decrease.
I've found over time with repeating vitamin/mineral testing once or twice a year, that I now only need to take 1000mcg twice a week to keep my B12 level at the very top of the range. Also, taking a B Complex 5 days a week keeps my folate level where it's good.
The only other supplement that I am aware that needs leaving off is an iron supplement and that should be left off for 7 days (or don't eat liver, etc, for that amount of time). Everything else you take after the blood draw on the day.
Thank you so much for this information seaside Susie. I really appreciate it.
The additional info on liver is great as I have eaten liver once per week as you suggest.
I know the advice 're nutritional support is very beneficial to my getting well. I don't think I would have many better health days if I had relied on Drs only.
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