Optimal vitamin levels?

[RuthieRuth]

Hi there

I am in the slow process of titrating my levo dose up from a slow start of 25mcg per day (GP started me on 100mcg previously and I went totally loopy hyper within 2 weeks and felt like my thyroid was very inflammed, I then stopped it altogether and left it a while before daring to restart slowly, which is working much better although currently only up to 50mcg per day for the last 3 weeks, TSH is still sub-optimal at 3.1 and I felt like I had lead in my feet before the latest increase).

I am also wondering about doing my own blood tests in order to get more than just TSH and plan to do one 6 weeks after increasing the levo dose. As part of this slow and steady plan, I'm also thinking that I need to check and dial in my various vitamin levels but am struggling to find a post (that I think I have read a million times) stating what these ought to be - would anyone be able to list the optimum levels plus best way of testing them at home please?

I think it is vitamin D, selenium (currently have 2 brazil nuts with breakfast for this), B something and anything else?

Thanks in advance for your help!

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Test thyroid and vitamin levels 6-8 weeks after each dose increase in levothyroxine

Which brand Levo are you taking

Exactly what vitamin supplements are you taking

Remember to stop any supplements that contain biotin at least 5-7 days before any blood test as biotin can falsely affect test results

Optimal vitamin levels

Vitamin D minimum 80nmol and between 100-125nmol may be better

Serum B12 at least over 500

Active B12 at least over 70

Folate towards top of range

Ferritin minimum of 70. Nearer 100 may be better

Recommended that 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)

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

Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or all relevant vitamins

Post all about what time of day to test

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Testing options and includes money off codes for private testing

thyroiduk.org/testing/

Medichecks Thyroid plus BOTH TPO and TG antibodies and vitamins

medichecks.com/products/adv...

Blue Horizon Thyroid Premium Gold includes BOTH TPO and TG antibodies, cortisol and vitamins

bluehorizonbloodtests.co.uk...

Only do private testing early Monday or Tuesday morning.

Link about thyroid blood tests

thyroiduk.org/testing/thyro...

Link about Hashimoto’s

thyroiduk.org/hypothyroid-b...

Symptoms of hypothyroidism

thyroiduk.org/signs-and-sym...

Tips on how to do DIY finger prick test

support.medichecks.com/hc/e...

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

As you have other autoimmune diseases it’s highly likely your hypothyroidism is autoimmune

If TG antibodies are negative

20% of autoimmune thyroid patients never have high thyroid antibodies and ultrasound scan of thyroid can get diagnosis

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Paul Robson on atrophied thyroid - especially if no TPO antibodies

paulrobinsonthyroid.com/cou...

Gluten intolerance is often a hidden issue too.

Request coeliac blood test BEFORE considering trial on strictly gluten free diet

In U.K. medics hardly ever refer to autoimmune thyroid disease as Hashimoto’s (or Ord’s thyroiditis)

[Jaydee1507 Administrator]

Best option is to get your vitamin levels tested then post your results here for comments.

There are a number of blood test companies offering similar services. Some offer blood draw at home or at a walk in centre for extra cost, or you can do a finger prick test at home - be sure to follow prep instructions carefully for best results.

Drink plenty of water. Being well hydrated will make it easier to collect your sample.

Shower before you take your test or run your hands under warm water for a few minutes, as heat improves blood flow.

Do some light exercise (move around, go for a walk, etc.) to get the blood flowing.

Make sure your arm is below your heart level – let gravity do some of the work.

Nails that are too long can make it difficult to collect a sample.

Do not shake the sample vigorously but invert the tube gently 10 times. (gently swirl the tube after each drop of blood).

Do not squeeze (milk) the finger.

Re-warm your hands during collection where needed.

See link for companies offering private blood tests & discount codes, some offer a blood draw service at an extra cost. thyroiduk.org/testing/priva...

There is also a new company offering walk in& mail order blood tests in London, Kent, Sussex & Surrey areas. Check to see if there is a blood test company near you. onedaytests.com/products/ul...

Only do private tests on a Monday or Tuesday to avoid postal delays.

Randox is another company thats quite cheap.

Optimal levels are said to be:

Vitamin D should be around 100 - 150.

Ferritin should be around 90 - 100

Folate will depend on the reference range used but usually around 20

Serum B12 - over 500

Active B12 75+