Is it ok to take iodine and biotin?

[janeroar]

Hello

I’ve read on here iodine shouldn’t be taken by hose with Hashis. I’m getting fed up having loads of different bottles of vitamins and so was exited when I came across a daily vitamin spray which would reduce the number of separate vitamins I’m taking to just one. I’m a big fan of Better You sprays too. I’ve attached the ingredients list.

Would it be such a bad thing to have a relatively small amount?

Thanks

Jane

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

janeroar

150mcg iodine is not a small amount. To illustrate this, I had an iodine urine test (non-loading) and my result came back exactly mid-range at 150 (100-199). My then practioner advised I take a multivitamin/mineral which contained 150mcg iodine. I said it would appear I don't need it as I am certainly not deficient. She said it was a small amount so it would be fine. I retested a few months later (after taking the supplement) and my level had risen to 250 (100-199). So a significant increase in a short time.

Iodine is anti-thyroid (it used to be used to treat hyperthyroidism) and isn't recommended for hypo patients, not just Hashi's patients. You should test and only supplement if found to be deficient, and then only under the supervision of an experienced practioner.

Biotin is fine and is found is most B Complex supplements, the only caution is to not take it for 3-5 days before any blood test as it can cause false results if biotin is used in the testing process.

Multivitamins are not recommended, you should take what you need separately in appropriate doses after testing and finding out any low levels/deficiencies.

In that supplement, the B12 is negligible at 6mcg, when anyone whose level is low would probably need 1000mcg. D3 is 800iu and would not raise a low level, it might just about be a maintenance dose for someone with a good level already. Vit K1 is the blood clotting form of Vit K - not to be taken by anyone on blood thinning medication.

[janeroar in reply to SeasideSusie]

That’s fantastically helpful as ever SeasideSusie thanks 🙏🏾 hugely

[janeroar in reply to janeroar]

Although I’m disappointed I can’t reduce my big bag of vitamins down!! Any tips for transporting and storing them all especially for trips?

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to janeroar]

Get a weekly pill dispenser (or two if going for two weeks) and fill them up before you go on holiday

[janeroar in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks SlowDragon I’ll get that!

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to janeroar]

Trips at home, just use a pill dispenser.

Trips abroad? It is OK to take a "supplement" holiday so you could whittle down what you take to just essentials (if any) for the duration of the holiday, I doubt whether a 2 week break would cause any problems. Keep any you do take in original packaging.

I was questioned about mine going through customs in Australia so I was glad to have them in their original packs. That holiday was for 6 weeks so I didn't want to be without for that long. I put them all in a toiletries type bag. X-ray machine picked them up in hand luggage so I was asked what they were all for.

[janeroar in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thanks v much. Good idea to have a short break sometimes.

[Angel_of_the_North]

I wouldn't waste my money on a multi vitamin, you'd get more B vitamins more cheaply from nutritional yeast or just from eating food. Better to supplement the things you actually need. Biotin is fine, but you need to stop it 3 days or so before a blood test in order to get an accurate result. Iodine is a dodgy one. If you are deficient it's OK to take it, but you really need the guidance of an experienced practitioner as it can make some people with Hashis worse. I don't have Hashis, so I can't say from personal experience.