Thanks to those who suggested I check my vitamins after my earlier post.
The below results are from medichecks. In their doctor's feedback they suggest I take a Serum MMA test due to low b12. Do you think they are right? or can I try supplementing and if that works assume I don't need to? Any thoughts on the others do I need to supplement them all? For those that don't seem to have a top end of range (Folate and B12 I think), what would be a good number?
Ferritin 129 (30-332)
Folate serum 8.2 (>7)
B12 active 50.7 (>37.5)
Vit D 69.6 (50-250)
and below looks much same as before unsurprisingly as was only a week or so apart (it was still the cheapest way to check the vits)
TSH 0.045 (0.27-4.2) - was 0.02
T4 17.9 (12-22) - was 17.1
T3 4.4 (3.1-6.8) - was 3.4
Thanks again for any feedback
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Megaloo
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With serum B12 result below 500, (Or active B12 below 70) recommended to be taking a separate B12 supplement
A week later add a separate vitamin B Complex
Then once your serum B12 is over 500 (or Active B12 level has reached 70), you may be able to reduce then stop the B12 and just carry on with the B Complex.
If Vegetarian or vegan likely to need ongoing separate B12 few times a week
Igennus B complex popular option. Nice small tablets. Most people only find they need one per day. But a few people find it’s not high enough dose and may need separate methyl folate couple times a week
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 can be difficult to find at reasonable price, should be around £20-£25. iherb.com often have in stock. Or try ebay
IMPORTANT......If you are taking vitamin B complex, or any supplements containing biotin, remember to stop these 5-7 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) and continue separate B12
Post discussing how biotin can affect test results
Thanks so much SlowDragon - I will read through and get my act together. Really appreciated. I don't take any supplements at all (doc did prescribe vitamin D a few years ago but stopped). I'm not vegetarian or vegan.
So you don't think I need to splash out on this Serum MMA test? 🤞
The bits I took from it were that you shouldn’t supplement before having the MMA test. Treating with B12 will lower your MMA value.
As your B12 is in range the MMA test could be useful as it highlights if your symptoms are actually due to B12 deficiency despite a normal serum level of B12.
I would get the test done. I think it’s something you could show to your GP if it indicates that your symptoms are due to B12 deficiency and if it turns out that you are incapable of absorbing B12 in the gut from tablets, you may need B12 injections which your GP can prescribe. Would be useful to show to your GP.
I would not just take B vitamins if your diet is good but ask the question first why are your levels so low? Have you got any known absorption problems? If so, taking B12 in anything will only mask the problem by raising the blood levels but not actually addressing the deficiency itself at the cellular level becuase the only guaranteed way of working on B12 deficiency when you eat meat, dairy, eggs and fish is by having regular B12 injections. Anything oral is only suitable when you are a vegan/vegetarian.
I would take MMA test if it was suggested and also aks for parietal cells and intrinsic factor antibodies tests.
WIth all due respect but it's not the case for everone. I have excellent absorption despite 10 years of Hashimoto's most of which I was hypo due to not tolerating levo and have good vitamin levels with no supplements. Yes I had gut problems to start with but worked on at and addressed low vitamins on the way and for many years they have been fine. My vit B12 was never that low though. However, I don't think making this kind of a sweeping statement is really helpful, just in case someone has more acute B12 deficiency such as Pernicious Anaemia which can be far too serious to have the diagnosis delayed just becuase the right questions have never been asked and supplements taken which might work for a while before the big crash follows.
thanks to all who've contributed to the above discussion - I'm very tempted to not do the MMA test (£149 at medichecks, can't seem to find it any cheaper), but having spent decades undiagnosed with coeliac (before finally being diagnosed) I'm a bit wary of possibly covering up another autoimmune etc. I shall mull. But really useful (both points of view) - thank you.
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Advice on levels for hypo pls?
Low Vitamin B12
Any thoughts on my latest medichecks results?
Vitamin Levels Help!
Finally got my GP to test my t3! Can anyone give me any advice on my results? Thank u so much in advance.
