What is the best vitamin combination for someone with hypothyroidism ?

[BlueKeith]

I've been on levothyroxine for a year now and am doing ok now apart from constipation and the odd day of brain fog . I've tried vitamin d and eat Brazil nuts for selenium. Was thinking of going to Holland and Barrett tomorrow and investing in some vits . By reading a lot of comments on this site I'm thinking of something with iron, vit d, zinc, vit c and b12 . Do I get a multivitamin? Or do I buy separate? Any suggestions ?

[radd]

Stubbo46,

The forum is more anti vitamin-combos than pro, but I successfully use a combo as it eliminates the sheer number of pills that have to be taken.

However, we can't use a combo until all deficiencies have been addressed because most only contain maintenance doses which won't be enough when replacing a deficiency. Adequate would look like Vit D between 100-150nmol/L, Vit B12 at least 550pg/ml and folate half way through range.

And it is suggested on the forum that we mustn't take a combo with iron or calcium as these bind to the other vitamins so preventing good absorption, but then we don't separate all nutrients and iron/calcium out in the foods we eat, so the amount available after the diminished amount bound might still be more advantageous than the effort of taking separate pills. I guess it depends how well one feels and how fastidious one is 😬.

My only advice is to take any VitB12 before mid-day because it can give you a lift.

[BlueKeith in reply to radd]

Thanks radd. Ive generally tried to get all my vitamin from food and just take vitamin d in winter. My reason for maybe trying vitamins is after reading deficiency in b12 iron and some other vitamins and minerals. If I get iron then will keep it away from all meds and other vits thanks.

[radd in reply to BlueKeith]

Stubbo46,

Yes, deficiencies must be addressed individually or you will never get them optimised. Also iron supplements must be taken 4 hours away from thyroid meds.

[BlueKeith in reply to radd]

I will probably just start with the vitamin b12 as this is what I was reading about deficiency causing dementia memory loss and confusion type symptoms which is the main symptom I've got .

[radd in reply to BlueKeith]

Stubbo46,

Vit B12 can be supplemented in tablets, sublingual (under the tongue) or liquid as methylocobalamin which is a methyl version that is more easily utilised.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

When were vitamin levels last tested

Please add most recent results

Always test before starting on supplements

[BlueKeith in reply to SlowDragon]

Will wait until my next blood tests. My doctor said levels are ok last time. Will just stick to what I'm already doing. Vitamin d and diet.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to BlueKeith]

You are legally entitled to copies of your blood test results and ranges

GP will say anything within range is “normal “

Eg B12 range is extremely wide - typically 210-680

B12 under 500 can be too low for anyone on levothyroxine

The best way to get access to current and historic blood test results is to register for online access to your medical record and blood test results

UK GP practices are supposed to offer everyone online access for blood test results. Ring and ask if this is available and apply to do so if possible, if it is you may need "enhanced access" to see blood results.

In reality many GP surgeries do not have blood test results online yet

Alternatively ring receptionist and request printed copies of results. Allow couple of days and then go and pick up.

Important to see exactly what has been tested and equally important what hasn’t been tested yet

What was vitamin D result and how much vitamin D are you currently taking

come back with new post once you get results

[greygoose]

There are all sorts of reasons why taking a multi-vit is a bad idea:

* If your multi contains iron, it will block the absorption of all the vitamins - you won't absorb a single one! Iron should be taken at least two hours away from any other supplement except vit C, which is necessary to aid absorption of iron, and protect the stomach.

* If your multi also contains calcium, the iron and calcium will bind together and you won't be able to absorb either of them.

* Multi's often contain things you shouldn't take or don't need : calcium, iodine, etc. These things should be tested before supplementing.

* Copper and zinc need to be kept balanced, but hypos are often high in one and low in the other - often low in zinc. So, both should be tested before supplementing. Taking either of them when you already high in it, will reduce the other and make you feel worse.

* Multi's often contain the cheapest, least absorbable form of the supplement : magnesium oxide, instead of magnesium citrate or one of the other good forms; cyanocobalamin instead of methylcobalamin; folic acid instead of methylfolate; etc. etc. etc. This is especially true of supermarket multis.

* Multi's do not contain enough of anything to help a true deficiency, even if you could absorb them.

* When taking several supplements, you should start them individually at two weekly intervals, not all at once as you would with a multi. Because, if you start them all at once, and something doesn't agree with you, you won't know which one it is and you'll be back to square one.

* Most supplements should be taken at least two hours away from thyroid hormone, but some - iron, vit D, magnesium and calcium (should you really need to take it) should be taken at least four hours away from thyroid hormone.

*Vit C should be taken 2 hours away from B12 because it affects how the body uses B12.

*Never take magnesium/zinc/calcium at the same time as they affect the absorption of each other.

*Take zinc and copper separately as zinc affects the absorption of copper, if you need to take both.

*Vits A/D/E/K are all fat soluble vitamins, and if taken together can compete for the source of fat. They are best taken away from each other.

* The magnesium you take - and just about everybody needs to take it - should be chosen according to what you want it to do:

Magnesium citrate: mild laxative, best for constipation.

Magnesium taurate: best for cardiovascular health.

Magnesium malate: best for fatigue – helps make ATP energy.

Magnesium glycinate: most bioavailable and absorbable form, non-laxative.

Magnesium chloride: for detoxing the cells and tissues, aids kidney function and can boost a sluggish metabolism.

Magnesium carbonate: good for people suffering with indigestion and acid reflux as it contains antacid properties.

Worst forms of magnesium: oxide, sulphate, glutamate and aspartate.

With a multivitamin, you are just throwing your money down the drain, at best, and doing actual harm at worst. Far better to get tested for vit D, vit B12, folate and ferritin, and build up your supplementation program based on the results. A vitamin or a mineral is only going to help you if you need it, anyway. More of something you don’t need is not better, it's either pointless or even dangerous, as with iodine, calcium, iron or vit D.

Obviously, it's better if you can get all your nutrients from food. But, if you are hypo, you probably have low stomach acid, which makes it difficult to digest food and absorb nutrients. Which is why you need the larger quantities contained in supplements. Hypos tend to be deficient in a lot of nutrients, but you should always get levels tested before supplementing, to know if you need to supplement, and if so, how much.

PS If you do need supplements, H&B is really not the best place to buy them.

[BlueKeith in reply to greygoose]

Thanks for that. Will stick to healthy diet and vit d in winter. Will wait for blood tests. Thanks again.

[greygoose in reply to BlueKeith]

You're welcome.

[junebug7 in reply to greygoose]

This info is really helpful. If H&B isn't the best place to buy them which are the good/reliable brands?

[greygoose in reply to junebug7]

Depends on the supplement. I don't know them all, but - for example - one of the best B complexes is Thorne Basic B, because it has just B vits, and nothing else, and uses the methyl forms for folate and B12. For sublingual B12, Jarrows is a good one. If you want that information for a specific supplement, just ask.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to junebug7]

Online usually cheapest

[HRH8591 in reply to junebug7]

Cytoplan are excellent supplements. They are food based (not developed in the lab) and more bio-available.

[Kauaii in reply to greygoose]

Do you know of natural ways to boost stomach acid. I've heard drinking lemon water or taking AC vinegar, but would like some confirmation or comments.

[greygoose in reply to Kauaii]

I cannot speak from personal experience because low stomach acid has never caused me any problems - apart from low nutrients - so I have never tried to correct it. But, lemon juice and AC vinegar work very well for some people, yes. Even taking high dose vit C works for some people.

[Kauaii in reply to greygoose]

Thanks!

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Please test key nutrients first, post results on here for suggestions.

There is no pont in taking anything unless you know that you need it. Otherwise at best you'll waste your money but also you could be taking the wrong dose and that could mean you aren't taking enough to help raise your level or you could take too much of one of those that when taken in excess gets stored in your body and can lead to toxicity.

So the best advice you can be given is to test

Vit D

B12

Folate

Ferritin

[Horsey07]

I like Solgar vitamin supplements; they suit me well, are available in the correct dosages, vegetarian, and affordable. Once you know exactly what you need to supplement they’re readily available and worth a try.

[BlueKeith]

Thanks for all advice. Sounds like best idea is to only take a vitamin if there's a deficiency then . Will keep up with my vitamin d in winter , Brazil nuts and i eat oily fish once a week and plenty fruit and veg so should be ok. My symptoms are nowhere near what they was before taking levothyroxine. It's just every now and again I get serious brain fog. My brain just doesn't work. My wife and daughter notice it and people at work do more than I do. I've been googling b12 deficiency can cause brain fog and iron so that was the reason behind me looking at vits. Will mention again to the doctor about brain fog Thanks again all

[greygoose in reply to BlueKeith]

Not necessarily a deficiency. Supplement if levels are sub-optimal. But, only take what you need. More is not better, and excess nutrients won't do a thing for you!

[Santolina]

It's useless just to start supplements without a full blood panel. Have a look at the advice from 'Stop the thyroid madness' as to what tests to ask for.

[ladypaws]

Hi Stubbo

I take Aavalabs fullnesium Magnesium, it contains a wide range of magnesium types. All Vitamin B, Vitamin D3 and Co q10.

I have taken these for years.

I have had Hypothyroidism since 2004. I am 65.

There is no hard and fast vitamin remedies as everyone is different.

I experimented and found reading about how vitamins affect the body is a good idea.

The Magnesium should help with constipation however you may need a laxative aswell. get these from doctor. a natural one such as Manevac.

Drink plenty of water. Aswell as usual tea, coffee etc.

You can get blood test results on your doctors website or the NHS app. You will need to get a login for either.

You can request any blood tests at 3 monthly intervals if you are worried about any results.

Walk alot, go out in the Sunshine alot, walk in the wind and rain as the fresh air will invigorate you, ride a bike or any exercise that gets you out of the house.

It beats staying in and using an exercise bike etc.

And just enjoy your life.

[BlueKeith in reply to ladypaws]

Thanks ladypaw .

[Teapot1966]

A hi Stubbo46

multi million vit but don’t take at the same time as the thyroxine.

Please avoid anything with iodine in that’s not good for under active thyroid issues if it’s got iron in then defo take at a separate time to yr meds

Maybe get yr full bloods checked by your gp to see if you’ve got any other deficiency and try some folic acid to help your body absorb vitamins .

If you need b12 etc (not sure if yr U.K. based) get a jab (hence the full blood count) but as I said take thyroxine first then take any multi vit abt an hour later that way the thyroxine is well into yr blood stream

I need loads of meds which are prescribed sadly as i can’t absorb nutrition well too as well as having thyroid issues etc I wont go into the rest of my long list of issues - but just take yr thyroid meds separately 30 min yo 1 hour before other meds to give them a chance to start working in your bloods before anything else

Good luck with it all x