Can anyone explain why having throid problems d... - Thyroid UK
Can anyone explain why having throid problems depleats vitamins/minerals ? thanks
Very specifically for B12, the issue is that the gastric parietal cells, which should produce both stomach acid and Intrinsic Factor (required for normal B12 absorption), do not work as they should. This can be because they are not getting the required thyroid hormone. But in around 25% of Hashimoto's sufferers, they also gastric parietal cell anti-bodies.
Both adequate acidity and sufficient Intrinsic Factor are essential for effective B12 absorption.
Because the body has a pretty reasonable store of B12, this sometimes does not manifest itself when a person first becomes ill with thyroid issues, but sometimes many years later.
Additionally, that same lack of properly functioning stomach reduces the ability to absorb iron.
The low level of vitamin D often found could have many causes but, for now, I think many of them are speculation. However there is a tendency for hypothyroid people to be intolerant of strong heat - maybe they tend to keep out of the sun?
Low effective vitamin A is fairly widespread because the usual process whereby the body can convert beta-carotene (e.g. from carrots) into vitamin A does not function well in a hypothyroid body.
Anyone else care to continue with the story? 
Rod
Thanks Heleva,
this does explain it well, so this is why sublingual vits are recommended. Do the gastric parietal cells work again when getting enough thyroid hormone, except in Hashimoto's sufferers ?
I personally have never liked the heat (or cold) nor sunbath and hug the shade
I am not 100% convinced.
I have read quite a bit, but am still somewhat sceptical about lots of things - especially where there is an excuse for a company to charge more.
That is NOT saying it isn't true - but that I remain not convinced in every detail.
There is some oddity where the gastric parietal cell anti-bodies do seem to rise, then fall in many people with Hashimoto's. But I would not rely on that without something to validate it - even if that is simply B12 testing.
I think iron is required for conversion of beta carotene to vitamin A. Apparently the conversion process is poor at the best of times, and being low on iron makes it worse. I went night blind when I was low on iron, which resolved when I took iron supplements. I later read some papers making the link. I don't think it's conclusively proven, but it certainly explains my experience.
Hi Rod, I have avoided the sun all my life, really struggle in summertime as the heat makes me feel really ill and my hands swell something chronic.
I have been diagnosed with love Vit D and need supplements .
Interesting to think it could be connected to thyroid problems.
Ann xxx
Yes. I have experienced everything mentioned by Rod. Now I use Solgar's Betaine Hydrochloride with pepsin. Used to be glad I lived on my own (you'll realise why when you get to the bit describing GI distress symptoms) but now I'm fit for human consumption.
Here's a link to valuable info re Betaine HCL to start you off, flatfeet.
scdlifestyle.com/2012/03/ho...
Hi NSU,
At first glance this artical seems very interesting, and will be useful.
I will read through again (to digest 
)
My stomach does seem to be grumbling and in pain after meals lately so I will be in competition with hubby as he suffers with this affliction (diff. illness though)
thanks
....this is possibly another case of where the T3 is low as that is the ACTIVE hormone required in every cell of the body - trillions of them. So being adequately medicated would help. Useful to know that whatever dose of T4 you are on - that it is converting into T3. This is often a problem for those with Hashimotos - including me !
I have Hashis and Crohns and have managed to get my B12 up to over 650. Did it with sub-lingual B12 as I have had the terminal ileum removed - and that is where the B12 is absorbed....that was some 40 years ago ! Was also ' insufficient ' with Vit D - building that up slowly too.
Higher Nature do a Betaine HCL combination tablet. Have not taken it but have used many of their products which are excellent for me ! I am fortunate I do not have digestive problems but know lots of people that do. Sadly many people think it is too much acid that is causing the problem - but it is more than often the OPPOSITE - just not enough to break down proteins in the stomach before passing into the Duodenum.
So I think it is just a mal-absorption problem for thyroid sufferers - slow metabolism resulting in impaired absorption somewhere along the yards of intestines !
Good Luck....
Thanks marz,
It seems I need to be adequately medicated (25mg of levo I dont think will do it) with the help of some Betaine HCL, (I did start taking apple cider vinegar, but reading the link given above it seems it helps with symptoms but not digestion/absorbtion.)
Thanks for the good explanation, wishing you well.
Yes, seems like a very familiar scenario. I have Hashi's, vitiligo, chronic fatigue and am/was anemic my iron (serum ferritin) was at 6 (ref 7-90) which it's been for the past 3 years (my lowest was 2, 20 years ago) and treated with ferrous fumerate which didn't make one bit of difference. Anyways, I finally got my head together somewhat enough to insist on iron IV only to find out that my iron levels had 'jumped' to 13.2, not because the pills worked, but because I didn't have a period for 3 months!! Anyways the doctor now says my anemia is 'resolved' and prescribed anti-depressants for my symptoms. I know that if I can get my iron levels to 70+ then it will help the fatigue and the T3 will stop pooling in my blood and get into my cells. Anyone know of any private GP's who prescribe iron injections? So desperate I'd even do it myself (after much more research!)
Hi GG,
So getting Iron levels up helps with getting t3 in to the cells, nice to know. I will look into this
I'm not very knowledgeable about iron, vits etc, as you can tell, so cant help with recommendations for iron injections. Perhaps if you post this as a new question someone more in the know will reply.
Good luck
Thanks - didn't mean to hijack the thread but yes, people need to get iron stores up to 70+ before they can get T4 to convert to T3 or stop T3 pooling and being generally ineffective!! Of course this is amonst other things B12, Vit D etc. It's lt's very complex but I guess we have to be our own advocates because the doctors are not helping.
Hi gg,
I don't mind, just didnt want you'r question to go unanswered.
This is very useful to know, learniing all the time.
Thanks
I have Hashimoto's and Parietal cell antibodies. The connection is this. In my case Hashimoto's started when my antioxidant levels were nearly undetectable (Selenium/Glutathione). You need these to be optimal to assist the oxidation process of Iodine/iodide in your thyroid otherwise autoimmune destruction begins..................Parietal cells also rely on iodine for production just the same as your thyroid. Also decreased sweating is usually associated with these problems.
Can anyone explain these results please?
Can anyone explain why my TSH is so low?
Anyone can explain please?
Can anyone explain my results for me please?
Can someone explain why I should avoid fluoride please?
