B12, ferritin and folate results.

[LunaDancer]

Hello!

Just got these back today. I can see my b12 is high - I’ve been vegetarian for 20 years and been vegan for 4 but have started supplementing recently (within the last 2 months).

Ferritin is in ‘normal’ range but on the lower side?

Does everything look ok?

Thanks!

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

LunaDancer

Folate and B12 are OK.

Ferritin is way too low. Low ferritin can suggest iron deficiency anaemia so it might be worth asking for a full blood count and iron panel.

It's said that for thyroid hormone to work properly (that's our own as well as replacement hormone) ferritin needs to be at least 70, preferably half way through range.

[LunaDancer in reply to SeasideSusie]

Oh wow ok good to know about the ferritin being ideally 70.

I had some more detailed bloods done at the start of March.

My haemoglobin was 127 g/L with normal range 122-165. My Haematocrit was 0.38% with normal range 0.36-0.48.

I’m assuming these have to do with iron? 🤷‍♀️. Both on the lower side also.

Do you think I should be taking an iron supplement? Thank you!

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to LunaDancer]

Iron is complicated. An iron panel will tell you your serum iron level. If your serum iron is high and you take iron tablets then your serum iron could well go over range. From your full blood count the MCV and MCH can indicate if anaemia is present. So I never suggest whether or not anyone should take iron tablets.

[LunaDancer in reply to SeasideSusie]

Ok thank you! I’ll ask for that test on next speaking to the doctors! 🙂

[Gambit62]

You need to supplement a little B12 as a vegan but if you are using really large doses 500mcg+ I'd suggest cutting down and may be using a supermarket supplement as it would appear you don't have a problem absorbing B12 - worth monitoring over time - particularly if you have hashimotos. Unfortunately the supplementation in the last two months means that you don't have a base-line for the level of B12 that your body usually maintains so monitoring for drops is going to be a bit more complicated as I would expect your levels to drop post the supplementation to the point where your body would normally maintain B12 levels. 6 months without supplementation is generally a good window for getting a proper base-line.

[LunaDancer in reply to Gambit62]

Ah interesting ok thank you! 6 months is a long time now I know how important it is! Good advice on the smaller dose thank you! I could cut to once every two days.

Every day is a school day

[HLAB35]

I would not advise on dosage of iron supplements as you need more than just a Ferritin result. However, if it is required you may find that taking some rosehip with an iron supplement ( whatever dosage is prescribed) may help with absorption. It was surprisingly effective for my mum with improved haemoglobin.

[LunaDancer]

Oh a good tip!! Thank you! I’ll def give that a go.