Question about B12 test results

[Sewsewer]

Hello there,

I have done two full thyroid panels with Blue Horizon, 16th months apart, the most recent being November ‘23 and I would appreciate your insight and advice.

B12 and folate were low in July ‘22 so I took Thorne Basic B for about 6 months at the beginning of this year. My energy improved and my hair got much better. Recently my hair has been thinning again so I thought I would retest and then restart the supplement.

I am confused by the fact that the reporting has changed from B12 to B12-Active, with a different range. I now seem to be at the top of the range of B12-Active, so should I not resume supplementing?

The results are:

July 22

Vitamin B12: 218 (145-569)

Serum Folate: 12.6 (8.83-60.8)

November 23

Vitamin B12- Active: 148 (37.5-150)

Serum Folate: 22.4 (8.83-60.8)

For the record my thyroid was removed in March ‘22 and I am on 125mcg levo.

Thank you so much for any advice you may be able to offer.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Your folate is low in both tests

Now your serum B12 is over 500 (or Active B12 level has reached 70), you can just take a daily vitamin B complex

This will improve Low folate

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

This will also 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...

helvella.blogspot.com/p/hel...

Many (most?) thyroid patients need to supplement vitamin D, magnesium and vitamin B complex continuously to maintain OPTIMAL vitamin levels