Further to previous posts I now have results of additional blood tests which were suggested.
To recap, my thyroid function tests results were as follows:
TSH 0.52 mu/L (normal range 0.27 -4.2 )
FT3 3.6 pmol/L (normal range 3.1 - 6.8)
FT4 20.5 pmol/L (normal range 12 - 22)
Additional test results are as follows:
TPO Negative 11 IU/ml
Folate greater than 20.0 ng/mL
Total iron 9.3 umol/L
Transferrin 37.1 umol/L
Transferrin Saturation 13%
Ferritin 28 ug/L
Vitamin B12 greater than 300 pmol/L
All the above tests were via MMH
Vitamin D 94.9 nmol/L (D3 89.5 nmol/L)
As mentioned previously I was diagnosed with under active thyroid aged 15 for which I take Levothyroxine 100 mcg daily; I have Type 1 diabetes for which I inject Novomix 30 insulin twice daily and pernicious anaemia for which I have Hydroxocobalamin injections every 12 weeks (I’d had my latest Hydroxocobalamin injection days before the blood test for Active B12.
I take the following supplements daily: methyl folate, D3 and K2, Betaine HCL and Glucosamine.
Many thanks for your help
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m0dgal1
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Serum ferritin level is the biochemical test, which most reliably correlates with relative total body iron stores. In all people, a serum ferritin level of less than 30 micrograms/L confirms the diagnosis of iron deficiency.
retest 3-4 times a year if self supplementing iron.
It’s possible to have low ferritin but high iron
Test early morning, only water to drink between waking and test. Avoid high iron rich dinner night before test
Eating iron rich foods like liver or liver pate once a week plus other red meat, pumpkin seeds and dark chocolate, plus daily orange juice or other vitamin C rich drink can help improve iron absorption
This is interesting because I have noticed that many patients with Hashimoto’s disease and hypothyroidism, start to feel worse when their ferritin drops below 80 and usually there is hair loss when it drops below 50.
We have received further information the lab about ferritin reference ranges. They confirm that they are sex dependent up to the age of 60, then beyond the age of 60 the reference range is the same for both sexes:
Males 16-60: 30-400 ug/L
Female's: 16-60: 30-150
Both >60: 30-650
The lower limit of 30 ug/L is in accordance with the updated NICE guidance and the upper limits are in accordance with guidance from the Association of Clinical Biochemists. ‘
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
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
Although I restrict the amount of gluten in my diet, my diet is not totally gluten free. I am not on a dairy free diet. Is going gluten and dairy free recommended in my situation?
Sorry I missed answering a couple of your questions. I am neither vegetarian nor vegan. My red meat consumption is pretty low though I have started incorporating lambs liver into my diet. I am post menopausal.
Thank you for the posts and all the information which will be very helpful as I seek to improve matters for myself. I must admit I feel a bit overwhelmed at the moment.
I consulted one of the GPS at my practice to request a referral to an endocrinologist re poor T4 to T3 conversion. I was told I am likely to have a years wait for an appointment.
If you only had a B12 injection a few days before this test then you may well need more frequent injections than every 3 months. 300 is very low for serum B12. You can post on the pernicious anaemia group here on HealthUnlocked for further advice.
Your FT3 is too low as you know already and will be causing your high cholesterol.
UK NICE guidelines actually say that a ferritin of less than 30 is deficient so your GP needs to update themselves. I'm not sure why lab values still quote higher levels.
Many thanks for the additional information and advice. Increasing the frequency of B12 injections is already something I’d decided to action. I will seek treatment for iron deficiency.
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