B12 versus B Complex to improve hypothyroidism

[VitaminB12]

I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Later I discovered that I had a B12 deficiency as a vegetarian. I took a high dose sublingual B12 supplement and my TSH improved. Then it was suggested that I take a B complex instead of continuing with the B12. I am sometimes feeling quite cold like before and I am concerned that my body may not be absorbing the new supplement. Maybe I ought to go back to the original supplement as it worked?

[jacrjacr]

same thing happened to my son....he did the meth form under the tongue 5000mg a day for 2 mths then back down to 1000mg a day ,d3 5000mg and was told to take the b complex too since b vitamins work best together...his tsh went down alot and didnt need  any thyroid meds.....he was also told to stay away from peanut butter since he tested positive for sensitivity to that and to take omega 3s, more fresh food and balanced meals......and omega 3s.....so many things can make s difference.....dr said deficiencies like d3, b12 etc and inflammation or infections can cause tsh to rise and that is why they dont test in hospitals when people sick

[VitaminB12]

Here's an update in case you're interested.

November 21, 2012 bloodwork results

TSH 4.03  
Reference range  0.35 - 5.00 mIU / L

B12 375
Reference range > 220 sufficiency

You will see that both my TSH and B12 have improved from

This is my seventh week off work (very physical job) due to an injury sustained at home. Maybe I'm just feeling cooler because I'm not as mobile and active.

[VitaminB12]

Thank you for your response.
After I get my bloodwork done I wish to resume high does sublingual B12 if I am low again to see if that helps with feeling cold as it did before. I once had a whole lot of symptoms including restless legs and being overly emotional. My skin is still dry and sensitive.

I believe it is possible that I don't absorb B12 well through digestion (regular oral supplement and food).

[Barb135]

I'm surprised to see that you have been tested for both FT3 and FT4.  Both are quite low in their ranges, and with your TSH being elevated, I stand by what I said earlier - you're suffering from hypothyroidism.

You should try to get your doctor to start you on a low dose of thyroid replacement and see if that helps relieve your symptoms.

[VitaminB12]

In Canada

Aug. 13, 2012 lab results

TSH 4.61
reference range 0.35 - 5.00 mIU / L

T4 Free 15
reference range 12 - 22 pmol / L

Free T3 4.9
reference range 2.6 - 5.7 pmol / L


April 16, 2012 lab results

TSH 7.43
reference range 0.35 - 5.00 mIU / L

T4 Free 13
reference range 12 - 22 pmol / L

Free T3 4.2
reference range 2.6 - 5.7 pmol / L

Printouts for both dates don't have any data for:

Test( (s) To Follow

Thyroglobulin AB
Thyroid Peroxidase AB

[Barb135]

Ah, Canada - we see some members who have a tough time getting adequate testing for thyroid issues, due to the National Health System.  I wonder if you would fall into that problem.

I'd look forward to seeing your thyroid workup...... it could tell us a lot.

[VitaminB12]

Thanks for your reply. I'm in Canada.I did have a thyroid panel done twice.
I'd have to look for the results and post them later.

[Barb135]

I'm not sure where you are located, but I've never seen a reference range for B12 like your lab is using.  The range my lab uses is 200-1100 and if I don't stay at/near the 1100, I feel like something the cat dragged in.

As I noted above, TSH fluctuates greatly, even intraday, so the fact that it goes up/down is not surprising.  Yours is higher than what AACE recommends...... 0.3-3.0...... In my opinion, you are suffering from hypothyroidism.

The problem is that your doctor is only testing TSH, which is a pituitary hormone and is not indicative of actual thyroid status.  You need also to be tested for the Free T3 and Free T4, which are the actual thyroid hormones.

I'd reiterate, once more, that vitamin B12 does nothing for thyroid levels.  I'm on both B12 shots and thyroid replacement... can't do without either.

[VitaminB12]

Thanks for your post. Please see reply to Barb135 for my lab results for April 16 and August 13. Yes, I think I might be better off resuming the sublingual B12 rather than continuing with the B Complex. I hope to get bloodwork done soon to find out if my TSH is higher and my B12 is lower than the last time.

[VitaminB12]

Thanks for your post. Here are the two most recent sets of results for my TSH and B12.I plan to be tested again in mid November for both.My TSH has been as high as 10.79 when not medicated and once it was 43.8 after three months on Thyroid Px through a naturopath! I am not on any treatment for my thyroid at this time.

04/16/12
TSH 7.43
reference range 0.35 – 5.00 miU/ L

B12 170  
reference range 148 – 220 pmol / L insufficiency

08/13/12
TSH 4.61
reference range 0.35 – 5.00 miU/ L

B12 359
reference range > 220 sufficiency

[Barb135]

While many of us with hypothyroidism are deficient in Vitamin B12, it does nothing to improve thyroid conditions. The only thing that can control hypothyroidism is thyroid replacement hormones.  

Sublingual B12 is often required, if you don't absorb the vitamin adequately.  Some of us, also, have to resort to injectable B12.  I take shots weekly.  You might want to talk to your doctor about that.

Bear in mind that TSH is a pituitary hormone, not a thyroid hormone and does not tell the whole story; additionally, it can fluctuate wildly, even intraday, so it's not unusual for it to go up and down.

Please post whatever thyroid related test results you have and be sure to include reference ranges, which vary lab to lab and have to come from your own report.  

Being intolerant to cold is a symptom of hypothyroidism.  Are you currently on a thyroid replacement medication?  If so, which one, what dosage and for how long?

[shelly3252]

Barb 135 Look up Dr. Axe. You CAN get better with eating habits,supplements

[Barb135]

Shelly, I'm wondering if you read my post at all???   I said the best supplements are sublingual or liquids if diet doesn't cut it...

I've gotten better with my B-12 shots because I have Pernicious Anemia and don't absorb B-12 any other way; I advise others to try eating foods rich in vitamin B-12 and/or taking supplements... I'm not sure I need to look up Dr Axe... please explain what you perceive that I've done wrong...

[Brucergoldberg]

can you post your labs here, with the levels?

the b complex is good, but you might be specifically deficient in b12.  SOme of us on here do shots.  I do one every week.  I have raised my level from deficient to almost high out of range in 3 months.  I now inject every 10 days instead of 7.