How do people manage vitamin levels?

[Dandelions]

I'm learning a lot on here. Thanks everyone!

One of the things I'm learning is that vitamin levels are very important with Hashimoto's. So I've applied for a test at my doctor's ( guess I'm unlikely to get one but it's worth a try).

My question is how do people then manage vitamin levels. Do you take supplements and then keep re-testing until you get the right level?Do you also test periodically?

I'm just thinking that this could get quickly get very expensive.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Typically test initially BEFORE starting on any vitamin supplements

Depnding on results

If deficient GP should prescribe

If low, but within range, self supplement

Retest after 4-6 months

Once on stable dose supplements and optimal levels…..test folate, ferritin and B12 annually via Medichecks or Blue horizon along with thyroid levels

Test vitamin D at 6 months intervals…..once via Medichecks or Blue horizon with other vitamins ….and once via NHS vitamin D postal testing service

Come back with new post once you get results…..hopefully via GP

As you have Hashimoto’s you also need coeliac blood test if not done yet

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Sorry didn’t realise this is your first post

Welcome to the forum

Low vitamin levels tend to lower TSH

So, as GP is only testing TSH (completely inadequate) you need to get FULL Thyroid and vitamin testing done yourself

what were your most recent blood test results

Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests early morning, ideally just before 9am

This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip)

Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or all relevant vitamins

List of private testing options and money off codes

thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...

Medichecks Thyroid plus antibodies and vitamins

medichecks.com/products/adv...

Blue Horizon Thyroid Premium Gold includes antibodies, cortisol and vitamins

bluehorizonbloodtests.co.uk...

If you can get GP to test vitamins and antibodies then cheapest option for just TSH, FT4 and FT3

£29 (via NHS private service ) and 10% off down to £26.10 if go on thyroid uk for code

thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...

monitormyhealth.org.uk/

NHS easy postal kit vitamin D test £29 via

vitamindtest.org.uk

Only do private testing early Monday or Tuesday morning. Watch out for postal strikes, probably want to pay for guaranteed 24 hours delivery 

Link about thyroid blood tests

thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...

Link about Hashimoto’s

thyroiduk.org/hypothyroid-b...

Symptoms of hypothyroidism 

thyroiduk.org/wp-content/up...

[Dandelions in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks. That's very helpful. I guess testing every 4-6 months is not as often as I thought. Is that because it takes a while when taking vitamin supplements to settle in and it doesn't make sense to take another test sooner?

I've not heard about the coelic blood tests needed. Thanks! I'll read up on that too.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Dandelions]

nice.org.uk/guidance/ng20/c...

1.1 Recognition of coeliac disease 

1.1.1 Offer serological testing for coeliac disease to:people with any of the following:

 persistent unexplained abdominal or gastrointestinal symptoms 

faltering growth

prolonged fatigue 

unexpected weight loss

severe or persistent mouth ulcers

unexplained iron, vitamin B12 or folate deficiency

type 1 diabetes, at diagnosis

autoimmune thyroid disease, at diagnosis

irritable bowel syndrome (in adults)

first‑degree relatives of people with coeliac disease.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

First test the key nutrients -Vit D, B12, Folate, Ferritin. If ferritin is low then do an iron panel to see if you have iron deficiency and a full blood count to see if you have anaemia (you can have iron deficiency with or without anaemia, and you can have low ferritin without low serum iron).

Post results here for interpretation and suggestions of supplements/dose where necessary.

Aim for optimal levels:

Vit D: 100-150nmol/L according to the Vit D Council, Vit D Society, Grassroots Health.

B12: top of range for Total B12 or 100 plus for Active B12

Folate: at least half way through range

Ferritin - half way through range although some experts say the optimal level for thyroid function is 90-110ug/L.

Once levels are optimal then find a maintenance dose (trial and error) and test once or twice a year to check levels.

Yes it can be expensive as we need good quality supplements, not high street or supermarket ones.

[Dandelions in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thanks. I'll come back with results, but it will take a while.

Interesting. They did take my blood count (years ago) and because that was within range, I thought it meant I couldn't have had iron deficiencies. But that's not true then. good to know.