Do we need to stop all supplements before a blood test?

[Caroline888]

Hi everyone,

I know that we should stop taking biotin-containing supplements for a week before a blood test, but what about other supplements? Apart from B complex and a multivitamin containing biotin, I take the following:

Turmeric

Selenium

Zinc

Vitamin C

Ferrous fumarate (210 mg twice a week)

The tests I will be drawing blood for are a Medichecks thyroid ultra and the annual NHS thyroid function test, these to be done at least six weeks apart.

I would be grateful for any help and guidance.

Best wishes

Caroline

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Caroline888

As you are testing ferritin in the Thyroid Ultra (are you not doing the UltraVit which includes Vit D test?), then it would be a good idea to leave off your iron tablets for a week. No problem with the others, just take them after you do the test on the day. Don't forget about timing of test - no later than 9am, fast overnight from evening meal/supper, water only to drink before test, last dose of Levo 24 hours before test.

[Caroline888 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thanks Susie. No, am not doing the ultravit this time - my vitamin d was checked fairly recently and was 108 nmol.

Glad I asked as I didn’t think to stop ferrous fumarate for the thyroid check ultra.

Thanks again. As always your help is much appreciated.

Best wishes

Caroline