Improving absorption of t3

[Frances0008]

Hello - me again.

Thanks to all the help of this forum previously, things are definitely on the up for me, and as every issue and question arises I’ve come back for your help and you’ve been so good as to continue guiding me.

I’m now trying to focus on increasing my absorption of t3.

I’ve never had issues absorbing t4 but t3 seems to be a different kettle of fish and progress is very slow. I would have expected to have reached my t3 limit by now but it seems despite my dose I’m nowhere near.

I’d rather not end up taking very large amounts, so wanted to try to improve my absorption.

I’m going to get some apple cider vinegar.

My question is, am I meant to take this at the same time as my t3 or a different time in the day. And am I meant to just take it once a day or more? How much am I meant to take? How long should I take it for, or do I just need to take for the rest of my life?

Many thanks

[greygoose]

You mean absorbing T3 in the gut? Do you take your T3 on an empty stomach, leaving at least 1 hour before eating or drinking anything but water? Do you take anything else at the same time as T3?

I don't think you're supposed to take ACV at the same time as T3, no. One usually takes it before meals.

How much T3 are you taking? And what is your level?

[Frances0008 in reply to greygoose]

take it on an empty stomach, and wait an hour to eat or drink. I only take t4 with it.

I use it to supplement my t4, and given ratios of t4 to t3 I would expect to only need to take a small amount - maybe 15mg at very most.

But I’m now taking 30 and still having symptoms of low t3. So either the ratio is a lot less than thought, or I am not absorbing t3 well.

If I take ACV at meals will it help with absorption generally and absorption of t3?

[greygoose in reply to Frances0008]

Forget ratios! They are for healthy people. Hypos need what they need. If you need 30 mcg T3 then you have to take 30 mcg T3, no point in saying 'oh but the ratio...' It's probably got nothing to do with your absorption, more to do with your conversion.

So, what do your blood tests say about your levels? Did you have your FT4 and FT3 tested at the same time when you were on levo only? That's how we find out about our conversion. What is your FT3 level now - with the range?