Some advice about whether to stop taking vits before blood tests

[Caradoc1a]

I've got blood test next Wednesday for vit D, ferritin, folate and iron panel. Plus thyroid and intrinsic factor anti bodies. I've cut out B complex and taking methyl folate already. Should I stop taking D and the folate before the tests? Thank you 🙏

[Buddy195 Administrator]

Its only B complex that need to be stopped prior to the draw (due to their biotin content interfering with thyroid blood test). No need to stop any other vitamins.

Do remember to have early morning blood draw (before 9am), take only water prior to morning test and take daily dose of Levo after the blood draw.

[Caradoc1a in reply to Buddy195]

Thank you. Test is 8.20am.

[Wwwdot]

Hi Caradoc

I can only share my experience with regard to blood tests - I don't have thyroid issues just PA (B12 deficiency).

I don't stop any of my supplements prior to a blood test but I do not take B7 (Biotin) and I don't take a combined B supplement. However, as  Buddy195 points out Biotin can interfere with thyroid blood tests so best heed advice.

I take specific B vitamins such as B2 (Riboflavin) as I don't eat processed foods where this is added eg cereals or bread.

I also take vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) as again I have a gene that means I don't metabolise B6 from food or supplements very well - even though I eat more green leafy veg than most rabbits!!

I also take B9 (folate) but in the form of methylfolate as I have a gene which means that although my blood folate is high my body does not process if from the blood too well, hence I take methylfolate which overcomes this issue.

🤗🤗🤗

[Caradoc1a in reply to Wwwdot]

Thank you. 🙏

[humanbean]

This is my personal choice, but I stop all my supplements for a week before testing. I've always done this.

It means that I can compare results from one test to the next because conditions are as similar as I can make them.

[Caradoc1a in reply to humanbean]

I thought I might do that but I wasn't sure!