I was given a link to this really positive account of how improving nutrients has increased T4 to T3 conversion healthunlocked.com/thyroidu....
I am wondering whether there have been any actual studies done on this? More around the effect of improving low (but in range) B12 or folate on thyroid status? I think there are maybe some looking at correcting “actual” deficiencies but is there anything where starting levels are in range?
Would also appreciate any other personal stories or sources of evidence. I want to convince my GP that it’s worth looking (and that if my levels don’t improve with supplementation then I do maybe have the absorption problem I think I have but they won’t test for….)
Many thanks
Written by
GW1000
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Hi - and thank you. I had a B12 test two months ago - 265 (187, 883). Had been waiting for my first (and looking like last…) endo appointment hoping that they would think it worth further testing - but they don’t. I have other low B12 symptoms too - didn’t want to jeopardise any tests by already being on a supplement. 265 not low enough for them to sanction further tests even with symptoms - she went to speak to her boss about it and came back with a firm no - definitely not the type of informed discussion I was really hoping for .
They did do a Short Syncathen test but I am assuming it must be negative as I’ve not heard anything a week on. I think their report back to the GP will be “nothing wrong, try SSRIs”. I don’t have anything against SSRIs eventually but not before I’ve tried shifting my B12 again.
I had been taking Igennus Super B- Complex which you had suggested wouldn’t be enough so I now have the Cytoplan sublingual 1mg ready to go once I get the confirmed response back from the endo.
I’m more than convinced it’s the right thing to try but would like a GP to be on board too. Probably unrealistic.
Would I be right in thinking that I should take the Cytoplan Vit B12 AND maybe one Igennus Super B to make sure my Folate keeps up? I should really get that tested first I suppose.
(I think the Igennus one is not recommended now but I still have a supply of them…)
Only other supplement I’m taking is the Better You Vit D + K2. I am mostly gluten free…the odd biscuit or cake! I did try a month of entirely gluten free - didn’t re-test but didn’t feel any difference for it so have returned to allowing myself the odd treat. The mostly gluten free does I think help.
Have also tried - and still am - taking my Levo at night. Again, no noticeable difference. The link about splitting doses is interesting. Will bear that in mind for after the B12 “experiment”.
A high number of people on levothyroxine will always need to supplement to maintain GOOD B vitamins
Yes, initially taking a separate B12 as well as a good quality vitamin B complex
You could get some Thorne Basic vitamin B complex ….they are large capsules. (You can tip powder out if can’t swallow capsule)
…..alternate it with Igennus on alternate days until used up Igennus
Retest after 2-3 months
Once B12 is over 500 ….just continue with vitamin B complex
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
In week before blood test, when you stop vitamin B complex, you might want to consider taking a separate methyl folate supplement and continue separate B12
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Increase Conversion of T4 to T3
T4 to T3 conversion issue
T4 to T3 conversion problem?
T4 to T3 conversion troubles 
Poor conversion from T4 to T3
