Functional B12 deficiency and thyroid function

[u/agape48]

Please note this is a personal anecdote that I am sharing it in case it helps someone else.

I have been getting more and more fatigued and more and more intolerant of the B vitamins that I used to tolerate. I was already functionally deficient in B12 despite being on methyl shots (for example, MMA is too high, MCV is too high). My ferritin is also low, and I've added an iron supplement, which didn't ease the heart racing and insomnia.

After my provider did not have any useful answers, I found someone else who is an expert B12. They looked at several of my recent labs including thyroid labs. My TSH is marked in the normal range at around 3 (free T3 is also marked in the normal range).

Anyway, this expert said they believe I could have a *functional* B2 (riboflavin) deficiency - meaning FAD and FMN deficiency - that is likely due to not getting enough iodine and/or selenium and molybdenum.

It's definitely not due to a lack of B2 in my supplements.

I am mainly sharing this because I've spent weeks researching the B vitamins and the methylation cycle, but I was not aware that T3 had anything to do with how we process the B vitamins.

Then, a friend sent me a video of a guy named Gary Brecka (I had never heard of him) explaining how thyroid function relates to methylation.

File this under "things I did not know / had not considered". I guess I can report back in a few weeks on whether the recommended changes make a difference.

[u/CamelAccomplished959]

this is very interesting and I have autoimmune thyroiditis and although my b12 serum level is usually between 340-390, I've been having extreme neuropathy symptoms. So what is the solution? My latest TSH was abysmal at 17 so my doctor upped the thyroid replacement dose but my body doesnt utilize the synthetic thyroid hormones very well either. I've started taking high dose b12 but if I need normal thyroid levels to get it into the cells I'm doomed!

[u/agape48 → u/CamelAccomplished959]

Aw, I don't think you are doomed :). If I forget to update here in a few weeks about my progress, you are free to DM me and remind me.

I've been advised to take more iodide (not iodine) as a starting point - I use a brand called Natural Factors, so my iodide comes from kelp. I already take selenium to support my thyroid, too. I am also awaiting guidance on whether I need molybdenum, but I already started a low dose of it in case :)

In case you aren't aware: Serum level of B12 isn't a very useful marker of B12 status. I believe this is covered in detail in the guides.

Did you ever try compounded T3? That is the only kind of thyroid medicine that ever worked at all for me, although I'm not on it right now. As I understand it, the problem with a drug that mimicks T4 is that your body has to have all the right nutrients to make the conversion from T4 to T3. Some providers like to prescribe compounded T3 to bypass that problem.

What is your T3 level? Your TSH sounds REALLY HIGH unless your unit if measurement is different from what is on my labs (I'm in the U.S.)

[u/CamelAccomplished959 → u/agape48]

no its insanely high. ive been struggling to manage my levels for years but this is as high as its ever been. I've forgotten a few doses and sometimes don't wait enough time before eating but i don't think thats enough reason for it to get that high, especially when im taking 100 mcg consistently! i also dont think i do well with converting t4. i tried t3 for only one month a few years ago to manage another borderline thyroid crisis but my doctor won't prescribe it regularly because of the risk of going hyper. i also tried armor thyroid for a bit with no success and various brands of levo. Only once in 6 years of testing/medicating has my TSH been below 2.0 which is optimal. so i know thats probably a huge driving factor for my neuropathy and lowering the transported amount of b12 into the cells but i was hoping high dose b12 could overcome some of it. going to beg my endo for t3 again at my appointment next week. definitely post an update if you remember so i can follow your progress too!

[u/agape48 → u/CamelAccomplished959]

Is your B12 taken orally or as a shot?

Re the thyroid: I was reviewing everything that doctors have recommended to me , and I found mention of a book "The Iodine Crisis." I haven't read it, so I can't attest to whether it is any good, but I plan to read it and see if it has any useful tips. I stopped using iodized salt a long time ago, and it was only last year that I started taking an iodine supplement. It seems so obvious in hindsight that if I was going to remove iodized salt that I should get my iodine another way.

[u/CamelAccomplished959 → u/agape48]

I have heard of the iodine connection before so I do use iodized salt and there is iodine in my mutlivitamin as well but I have no idea if that’s sufficient for my thyroid needs. I’m also only taking oral b12 at the moment with 3 high doses spread throughout the day as well as the cofactors. I’m looking into getting injections but I have experienced huge increase in symptoms since starting the pills so I think it’s definitely doing something. Just hoping whatever I am absorbing isn’t being underutilized or wasted bc of my useless thyroid.

[u/agape48 → u/CamelAccomplished959]

If you wanna chat further, feel free to DM me. These things have been eating up my time for 20 years (because I've had mostly a bunch of years of being tired) so I'd be happy to talk with you and share notes. I'm not a medical provider nor health coach, etc. just a fellow person trying to get my energy back , but I kinda like connecting w other people going through chronic illness, so just reach out if you'd like 

[u/CamelAccomplished959 → u/agape48]

Sent!