stopping vitamins before tests

[Mazes]

hi everyone,

I can’t remember if I have to stop my vitamin b12 and D before doing my medichecks test - the one that tests for t3, t4, tsh, folate, b12, D, ferritin and inflammation.

I’m taking the vitamins in spray form now so no biotin - is there any other reason I have to stop before testing?

Thanks

[Jaydee1507 Administrator]

Its only B complexs usually that need tobe stopped due to their biotin content interfering with thyroid blood tests. Otherwise no need to stop any other vitamin, you can continue taking them right up until the day before the test.

Remember the blood test protocol though.

Test at 9am (or as close as possible), fasting, last levo dose 24hrs before the blood draw, last T3 dose 8-12 hours before blood draw & no biotin containing supplements for 3-7 days (Biotin can interfere with thyroid blood results as it is used in the testing process)?

Testing like this gives consistency in your results and will show stable blood levels of hormone and highest TSH which varies throughout the day. Taking Levo/T3 just prior to blood draw can show a falsely elevated result and your GP/Endo might change your dose incorrectly as a result.

[Mazes in reply to Jaydee1507]

Thank you for this, and the reminder about stopping my thyroid meds - I’ll have to get a plan written down so I don’t forget.

[TorcHouse]

I get an email from Medichecks when I order the Advanced Thyroid Function, and it says I should stop B12 for a fortnight beforehand. Didn't you get an email?

[Mazes in reply to TorcHouse]

Probably, but it’s taken me a while to get round to taking the test - I bought it heavily discounted a couple of months ago knowing I’d need to do one soon!

[TorcHouse in reply to Mazes]

Oh yes, that's what I do. We need all the savings we can get!

[Jaydee1507 Administrator in reply to TorcHouse]

In reality you would need 3 months to get a B12 supplement out of your system. 2 weeks would be far too short and only if you want to see your base level with no supplementation.

You are OK to continue a B12 supplement (so long as its not in a B complex with biotin) until the day before the test.