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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Blood Test Showed Thyroid Not Producing Enough Thyroxine, No Symptoms. Niacin Intake Low? Cure?

A recent blood test indicated that my thyroid isn t producing enough thyroxine but I don t have any major symptoms. I m 72 years old, at my ideal (steady) weight, I m not on any medications, my memory is good and my energy level is acceptable. I have been scheduled to retake the blood test next month to make sure it s not an error. However, I m a vegan and I suspect my intake of niacin may be too low and I understand niacin is needed to produce thyroxine. Do you think I should also be tested for niacin? Or should I just start taking a small dose like 50mg. If the test comes back showing the same result and I don t take medication for it, can there be adverse consequences? I can t see taking a drug, with possible side effects, for something that s not producing any major symptoms.
Thu, 3 Oct 2013
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Internal Medicine Specialist 's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic,
If your blood test result show underactive Thyroid function,It is due to subclinical Hypothyroidism, that is why you do not have any symptoms at present but if this allowed to continued then clinical hypothyroidism may occur.
It is correct to retest the thyroid function to be sure it is not lab error.
Please visit a Physician or Endocrinologist and if TSH is high and your doctor suggest supplementation take it it will help.This is very safe and almost negligible side effects.
Niacin is B3 part of B complex vitamin it can be supplemented if suggested by Physician.
Take care of your diet and regular followup with physician.
Take care.
Good Luck
Dr.Akhilesh Dubey M.D.
Good Luck
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Blood Test Showed Thyroid Not Producing Enough Thyroxine, No Symptoms. Niacin Intake Low? Cure?

Hi, Thanks for using Healthcaremagic, If your blood test result show underactive Thyroid function,It is due to subclinical Hypothyroidism, that is why you do not have any symptoms at present but if this allowed to continued then clinical hypothyroidism may occur. It is correct to retest the thyroid function to be sure it is not lab error. Please visit a Physician or Endocrinologist and if TSH is high and your doctor suggest supplementation take it it will help.This is very safe and almost negligible side effects. Niacin is B3 part of B complex vitamin it can be supplemented if suggested by Physician. Take care of your diet and regular followup with physician. Take care. Good Luck Dr.Akhilesh Dubey M.D. Good Luck