I took my blood tests results to my GP and as you suggested : no vitamins forthcoming! Surprise! She just said I should keep taking Vitamin D and get a Multivitamin which contains Folate - I can't find any that say "Folate".
(btw in multivitamins is Folate and Folic Acid the same thing?)
My GP has now booked for me to have a blood test next Tuesday to check CRP for an inflammation/infection. Apparently I was due to have a ParaProtien test soon, so she's killing 2 birds.........
The high Ferritin level was not mentioned (we had a phone consultation) but I will await the results of the next blood test and will bring it up then.
She is increasing my Levothyroxine by 25mcg - taking me up to 125mcg.
I would really value your advise please :-
Do you have any advice for a problem-free transition ?
Do you think that I should be gluten-free now?
Another thing that puzzles me is, What is Hasimoto's Disease? How does it get diagnosed? What's the difference between Hasimoto's and hypothyroidism?
I would never have known any of this or been any nearer to getting some proper treatment if it wasn't for you. Thank you
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Dunawori146
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(btw in multivitamins is Folate and Folic Acid the same thing?)
Folic acid is synthetic and the body has to convert it to folate. Folate is the natural form. It's best to get a supplement that contains folate rather than folic acid, it's usually shown as methylfolate.
Multivitamins aren't recommended here. They contain too little of anything to help raise low levels or deficiencies, tend to contain the cheapest, least absorbable and wrong form form of active ingredients, and often contain things we should test for first and only supplement if found to be deficient, eg calcium, iron, iodine. Best to supplement at the correct dose for what we know we need.
She is increasing my Levothyroxine by 25mcg - taking me up to 125mcg.
I would really value your advise please :-
Do you have any advice for a problem-free transition ?
There should be no problem with a simple increase in your dose of Levo. However, it's best to stick to the brand that you know suits you and many people don't get on with Teva (one of the brands which does a 25mcg dose), also be aware that Northstar 25mcg is made by Teva so another one to avoid. Best to get a 50mcg tablet in the same brand as your 100mcg and either alternate 100mcg and 150mcg to give 125mcg or cut the 50mcg in half for the extra 25mcg per day.
Another thing that puzzles me is, What is Hasimoto's Disease? How does it get diagnosed? What's the difference between Hasimoto's and hypothyroidism?
Hashimoto's is autoimmune thyroid disease which is where the immune system attacks the thyroid and gradually destroys it leading to hypothyroidism. It's the most common cause of hypothyroidism. It's usually diagnosed by raised thyroid antibodies although you can have Hashi's without raised antibodies and an ultrasound scan of the thyroid can show this.
Do you think that I should be gluten-free now?
The choice is yours, you could give it a try and see if it helps.
Some people with Hashi's have found a gluten free diet helps them but it's not guaranteed.
I take it GP/nurse refused to test for pernicious anaemia?
Suggest you start taking GOOD QUALITY daily vitamin B complex as detailed in previous post. One that contains folate (not folic acid) may be beneficial.
This can help keep all B vitamins in balance and will help improve B12 levels too
Igennus Super B is good quality and cheap vitamin B complex. Contains folate. Full dose is two tablets per day. Many/most people may only need one tablet per day. Certainly only start on one per day (or even half tablet per day for first couple of weeks)
Or Thorne Basic B is another option that contain folate, but is large capsule
IMPORTANT If you are taking vitamin B complex, or any supplements containing biotin, remember to stop these 7 days before ALL BLOOD TESTS , as biotin can falsely affect test results
As your B12 result is below 500, recommended to be taking a B12 supplement as well as a B Complex (to balance all the B vitamins) initially for first 2-4 months, then once your serum B12 is over 500 (or Active B12 level has reached 70), stop the B12 and just carry on with the B Complex.
Important to test folate and B12 annually
We never recommend multivitamins. Far too little of what we do need, plus usually cheap poorly absorbed ingredients
I really cannot thank you enough for this outstanding advice. My doctor wasn't at all interested in broaching the subject of vitamins, pernicious anaemia etc. So I greatly value your opinion. Thank you
Over the years I have come to the opinion that I am gluten intolerant because of the reaction I have had to things like white bread and pasta. Perhaps I will leave it as it is now, I think I have enough to be going on with for the time being. Many, many thanks for all your help, I really appreciate it
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