Levothyroxine and iron prescription

[RomyJean]

hi everyone,

Just been told I’ve got low iron by the dr from my bloods and was looking online that you can’t take levo and iron together and they have to be taken on an empty stomach.

Please can someone confirm is this is correct?

Thank you for your help.

[greygoose]

Iron should be taken at least four hours away from thyroid hormone.

Thyroid hormone should be taken on an empty stomach.

So, if you take your levo first thing in the morning, you can take your iron four hours later.

[RomyJean in reply to greygoose]

thank you grey goose

[greygoose in reply to RomyJean]

You're welcome.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Iron is apparently better absorbed on an empty stomach. However, iron can cause stomach upset and in this case it's possible to take with food to avoid this but not so much will be absorbed. Iron is said to be best take alternate days, apparently more is absorbed that way.

[Joyya in reply to SeasideSusie]

Agree. I may add that taking heme polypeptide (as opposed to ferrous fume rate or ferrous sulfate) will not cause upset if taken on an empty stomach.

I am learning, however that inadequate stomach acid will reduce iron absorption even when taken apart from meds or food nd this can be the result of taking acid reducers for acid reflux but can also be the result of hypothyroidism itself.

[RomyJean in reply to Joyya]

Interesting 🤔🤔 thank you for your reply

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Have you also had vitamin D, folate and B12 levels tested?

If not request these are tested

[RomyJean in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you SlowDragon. It says I have to take 2 a day.

yes I’ve had others tested.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to RomyJean]

and what were results and ranges?

Are you supplementing vitamin D or any B vitamins

[RomyJean in reply to SlowDragon]

hi Slow Dragon,

I don’t know they just sent a message on my phone. Saying I’m low on Iron they prescribed ferrous fumarate at 240mg a day.

[RomyJean in reply to RomyJean]

sorry420 mg

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to RomyJean]

NHS only tests for vitamin deficiencies

We need optimal vitamin levels on levothyroxine

Suggest you get hold of your results

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

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.

Link re access

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

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

Bloods should be retested 6-8 weeks after each dose change or brand change in levothyroxine

 

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 plus both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested.

Very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 at least once year minimum

very common to need to supplement to maintain optimal levels

[Popeye44]

You could try Better You oral iron spray which doesn't go through the digestive system and is absorbed straight into the bloodstream in the mouth.

[RomyJean in reply to Popeye44]

great idea I will ask

[Tricki]

If you have any problems with tummy/bowels on ferrous fumarate you could try Spatone, an iron infused water - much gentler on the digestive system.