B12 MMA tests & supplement.

[Ian232]

Hi, please can anyone tell me, is there any reason why I should not have the following blood tests?

Serum Active B12 (holo TC)

Serum Methylmalonic Acid (MMA)

Serum Total Homocysteine

I have not taken any B12 supplements since June 19, but had breakfast cereal fortified with b12. I am just questioning if I have "Functional B12 deficiency", & I am getting a little desperate with symptoms to wait for another 2 months +!

Thank you.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Suggest you get FULL thyroid and vitamin testing done

You know from previous posts you have Hashimoto’s

all thyroid blood tests early morning, ideally just before 9am, only drink water between waking and test and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test

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

On T3 - day before test split T3 as 2 or 3 smaller doses spread through the day with last dose 8-12 hours before test

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...

Only do private testing early Monday or Tuesday morning.

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...

Tips on how to do DIY finger prick test

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Medichecks and BH also offer private blood draw at clinic near you, or private nurse to your own home…..for an extra fee

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

Did you, perhaps, mean to post this on the Pernicious Anaemia Society forum?

[Ian232 in reply to helvella]

Hi, I have been tested and dont believe I have pernicious anaemia as absorbing. You are right though & maybe I should post somewhere more B12 orientated. It is just that when I first started having symptoms a few months back, someone on the Thyroid group suggested a b12 issue and seem very knowledgeable on both thyroid & B12.

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to Ian232]

We have quite an overlap with the PAS! Therefore many have understanding of both areas. But the more specifically and deeply B12-related, the more I'd go to the PAS forum.

(And it is so easy to post on the wrong forum - happens all the time.)

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Ian232]

many hypothyroid patients on replacement thyroid hormones need to supplement vitamin D and vitamin B complex continuously…..some also need separate daily B12 at least 3-4 days per week….,especially if vegetarian or vegan

Test folate, ferritin and B12 annually and vitamin D twice year

[Me2U in reply to Ian232]

Yes B12 can be low/abnormal in those with hypothyroidism...my own was but slightly only so was dismissed by gp.practice. 🙄Nevertheless i decided to buy a supplement so am taking that now

[bookish]

No reason that I can think of. No B12 testing is perfect, you can be 'normal' for all of them and still have a deficiency, but the three that you mention may well provide useful information alongside your serum B12 and FBC. Also worth checking for anti-gastric parietal cell antibodies and anti-intrinsic factor antibodies, plus serum gastrin if possible. Best wishes