Blood test results

[CornishChick]

My daughter recently had some blood tests done due to tiredness and dry skin.

Her ferritin is low and her TSH isn’t ideal. Her vitamin D was poor.

Her ferritin was 23 (30-200). I have in my head that other bloods should be done to confirm iron tablets are required. The gp has prescribed iron tablets.

Other bloods have been done, could someone please confirm if this is correct so I can check please?

I pushed for the thyroid bloods as I have autoimmune thyroiditis and suspected she might too.

Her TSH is 1.8 (0.7-4.17). I am aware this should ideally be below 1. Should I push for FT4 and how do I convince a GP that this result isn’t actually satisfactory please?

Finally her D is 44! I had to push for this test too having been fobbed off for years by the dentist and gp. Her teeth are classic D deficient from the womb, she’s broken her leg 4 times and indeed I was diagnosed with D levels of 22 after having and breastfeeding 2 babies for over a year. We all have vitiligo so I have to watch the sun. I have always supplemented myself and children since with D (I take 5k a day). I have increased my daughters from 400 the recommended amount to 800 a day. I feel confident dealing with this issue, but could do with some help on the Ferritin and thyroid results please.

She doesn’t take any medication other than D, multivitamins and now iron tablets to be clear and she has vitiligo.

many thanks

[GlowCoach Administrator]

If ferritin is low then full iron panel should be done.

Her antibodies might be more revealing than an FT4? Could do both? Did GP run her folate, B12 too? What were the results?

Her TSH is at least under 2 which is where most healthy people are. Low ferritin alone can have many many symptoms.

This calculator will help you work out how much D3 & K2 she should be taking.

grassrootshealth.net/projec...

[CornishChick in reply to GlowCoach]

thank you for your help. Please can you remind me what the full iron panel reads as on the test results please?

GP did not do folate.

I believe B12 was ok 774 (252-1125)

Yes antibodies would be interesting, I wonder if I can convince my gp?!

I have just completed the vitamin D test thank you. It says she’s moderate risk, although I can’t see what dose she should be taking from the score. Does it tell me somewhere?

I am always struggling with my ferritin, do you think I should also ask for a full iron panel?

Thank you.

[CornishChick in reply to CornishChick]

I couldn’t see the k2 dose either, so I have to click on something else to view the results please?

[Singwell in reply to CornishChick]

The K2 is needed for absorption. Without it, high doses of VitD might contribute to atherosclerosis, which you obviously don't want.

[GlowCoach Administrator in reply to CornishChick]

Sometimes its worth paying for private bloods to get what you want. She still needs to know her folate level.

Iron tests: medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/i...

The calculator I linked should tell you how much to take not her risk. If you buy vitamin D just make sure it includes K2 with it. No need to calculate how much K2.

If you're concerened about your iron levels then do ask GP to check it.

[CornishChick in reply to GlowCoach]

thank you. I’ve previously paid for bloods for me, looks like it’s all kicking off for my daughter too!

Please can you tell me what to say to the gp as to why I need folate levels too? I can’t see folate mentioned in your link.

I completed the test and it just said moderate risk but didn’t tell me the levels to give her, which I wanted to know. I understood K2 was just for when you take high dose vitamin D or am I wrong? They say 400iu for children, although at 11 she’s 5’3” and 8.2 stone, so you’d think a higher dose, although I know it’s scaled back for children and isnt just based on weight xx.

[Partner20 in reply to CornishChick]

As your daughter is only 11, adult ranges for blood tests do not necessarily apply, and supplementation with anything should only be made on the advice of a GP/paediatrician. Be aware that most private blood-testing companies will not authorise testing for minors for various reasons, including the fact that the tests and ranges are designed for adults. Your daughter's TSH is absolutely fine, even when an adult is diagnosed as hypo and on levo the aim is for a figure of around 2 or under. Hormones are greatly fluctuating at your daughter's age, bringing their own symptoms, which can be investigated by the correct medical professionals if and when necessary. Vitamin D and iron deficiency can most certainly be the cause of those symptoms, and this us obviously being addressed. You mention multivitamins, which are not recommended. Only supplement what you are actually deficient in, at a high enough dosage to be effective. Please take care not to induce any damaging health anxiety in her due to your own concerns. I hope you find the answers to help her.

[CornishChick in reply to Partner20]

thank you very much Partner20, that is most helpful.

The gp said to continue with multivitamins and vitamin D spray (400iu) and take the iron tablets the prescribed alongside. I know I’ve read many times on here not to take multivitamins but assumed that was for adults on here with thyroid problems. Do you think I should ask the gp again?

I am trying not to let it affect her mentally. It’s very difficult she has no energy to join in with activities especially this week being half term, but hopefully she’ll start to feel better soon. I imagine it will take a good few weeks? Thanks again.

[CornishChick in reply to Partner20]

Hi I’ve just realised the blood count was amongst the other results everything seems ok to me, so it was just the ferritin (& D) that were low. Do you agree with another post that I should request a folate blood test too for a full picture? My daughter is ok with bloods but the gps don’t seem too keen to do them on children, so I’d rather not request if not really necessary. thank you

Blood count results

[GlowCoach Administrator]

Try this calculator. omegaquant.com/vitamin-d-ca...

A folate result would give a more complete picture as to why your daughter is so tired. It is one of the key vitamins and low levels can cause anaemia. Folate is part of B vitamins not iron.

The recommended daily amounts to take can be very low, too low. I'm not an expert in this though so use the calculator.

[CornishChick in reply to GlowCoach]

thank you. This one doesn’t ask for age. Do you think it’s appropriate for children? Also doesn’t ask things like where you live like the grass roots link, so I’m wondering if it’s wouldn’t be as accurate?

Thank you for your help.

[jiankang]

I’m an adult with graves. Ordinary vitamin D prescribed by my endocrinologists never worked for me for years. I don’t know why. Only activated vitamin D prescribed by my orthopaedic dr ( brand - rocaltrol)) brought my vitamin D levels to a sufficient level.

[CornishChick in reply to jiankang]

That is interesting, thank you. It does make sense. I myself take 5k IU a day, and my D levels have never been above 98. I will mention it to the GP if I can’t get her levels up. Thank you.