Serum B12 versus active B12

[Eton]

Dear members

My GP results for serum B12 on 21st June showed 832 ng/l (197-771). My active B12 from Medichecks on 25th Sept is 70.8 (37.5-188).

Do I need to supplement? I do not take any B12 supplements at present as my serum b12 has always been high/over range which I find a little worrying as it can be linked to some sinister conditions.

Thank you for your advice.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

High B12 can be deceiving

What’s your folate level

Paradoxical B12 deficiency when hypothyroid

b12oils.com/paradoxical.htm...

what are your most recent TSH, Ft4 and Ft3 results

[Eton in reply to SlowDragon]

Hi SlowDragon my folate level 21st June 2023 was 16.6 (3-26.80ug/l) at GP surgery.

At same date TSH =0.04 (0.27-4.20); T4=18.9 (12-22); T3 =3.3 (3.10-6.80). I have since added 10mcg of T3 (self medicating) and am scheduled to have blood test next Tuesday morning.

Looking back my active B12 has always been in the 90s and that was when on T4 only. I expected to get better results since I have been on T3 for couple of months and I also added Haem iron into my regime as my last ferritin in June was 69ug/l (13-300). The GP didnt suggest the haem iron. I decided to add it myself. RBC was 4.1 (3.80-5.80)

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Eton]

Suggest you try adding a daily vitamin B complex

supplementing a good quality daily vitamin B complex, one with folate in (not folic acid)

This can help keep all B vitamins in balance

Difference between folate and folic acid

healthline.com/nutrition/fo...

B vitamins best taken after breakfast

Thorne Basic B recommended vitamin B complex that contains folate, but they are large capsules. (You can tip powder out if can’t swallow capsule)

Thorne currently difficult to find at reasonable price, should be around £20-£25. iherb.com often have in stock. Or try ebay

Other options

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu....

Igennus B complex popular option too. Nice small tablets. Most people only find they need one per day. But a few people find it’s not high enough dose

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

endo.confex.com/endo/2016en...

endocrinenews.endocrine.org...

In week before blood test, when you stop vitamin B complex, you might want to consider taking a separate folate supplement (eg Jarrow methyl folate 400mcg)

Post discussing how biotin can affect test results

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

[Eton in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you Slow Dragon.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Eton]

I always had high B12 without supplements……and low folate (and Hashimoto’s)

Adding daily Vitamin B complex was highly beneficial

[Eton in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you. Hopefully I will find it helpful too. I feel far from well.