Hypothyroidism, Vitamins & Minerals
Posted on: April 13, 2006 | Posted in: Hypothyroid Supplements
Just a quick overview here, because everything I read seems to have a slightly different take on the issue, and I am a bit paranoid about making sure I’m posting good information. But there are indeed some nutrients that are very important to to thyroid function, and some supplements that seem like a good idea for almost any hypothyroid patient to take. As always, take my advice with a grain of salt, do your own research, and if in doubt, ask a doctor…
- B Vitamins — B vitamins are very important to the body’s synthesis of T4. A standard B-complex supplement will ensure you’re getting a sufficient supply of them. I take a B-50 supplement a few times a week to get the full B vitamin complex… you can also get B-100 supplements, but if you’re at all worried about taking too much B, the B-50 should be fine. However, some studies show that niacin (B3) supplementation can actually lower thyroid hormone levels, so be sure to keep up with your regularly scheduled blood tests, if you start taking B vitamins!
- Iodine — Iodine deficiency was once the leading cause of hypothyroid disorders. Iodine supplementation in table salt has largely eliminated iodine deficiency in the developed world, but it’s still worth checking if your iodine levels are adequate. If you are NOT suffering iodine deficiency, beware any advice to use iodine supplementation for your hypothyroidism… too much iodine can actually cause thyroid problems as well!
- Selenium — Selenium is used in the synthesis of T3 from T4. If your blood tests suggest your T3 levels are lagging behind your T4, you might try a good multi-mineral supplement with selenium. However, in cases where a patient is both selenium and iodine deficient, some studies have shown that selenium supplementation can actually make hypothyroid conditions worse. Again, it might be worth having your levels tested before taking supplements, but in most cases I’d imagine over-the-counter mineral supplements are unlikely to contain high enough levels of anything to cause a problem, if taken as directed.
- Zinc — Studies suggest that severe zinc deficiency can cause hypothyroidism, but like iodine deficiency, it is rare for people living in the developed world to have a severe enough deficiency to cause a serious problem. In any case, an over-the-counter multi-mineral supplement will take care of any worries you have about your zinc levels, without risk of excess.
- Calcium/Magnesium/Potassium — I mention these three together because the ratio in which you take them is important to their proper function in your body, and because they (along with zinc) are very important to cellular metabolism. Deficiencies may interfere with the cells’ ability to properly absorb nutrients and hormones, as well as the thyroid’s ability to properly absorb precursor nutrients necessary for hormone production. My doctor strongly recommended I start taking Calcium-Magnesium supplements, and discontinue my Depo-Provera birth control. She said both Depo and hypothyroidism are known to interfere with proper metabolism of calcium as related to development and maintenance of bone density. When I visited my local health food store, I found that Cal/Mag supplements were readily available, and many of them also contain potassium and zinc.
- Vitamin A — Hypothyroidism can apparently impair the body’s ability to convert beta-carotene into vitamin A, so supplemental vitmain A is often recommended to patients who do not consume adequate amounts in their daily diet. 5000-10000IU per day is the figure I heard.
Basically, I think my personal policy of taking a multi-vitamin/mineral packet a few times a week (or whenever I remember), along with a B-50, a cod liver oil gel cap and the calcium-magnesium-potassium-zinc supplement a couple times a week is probably perfectly adequate to prevent key deficiencies, while also avoiding any significant risk of overdose. I have not personally been tested for vitamin/mineral deficiencies, but I’ve seen such a huge improvement in my symptoms over the last few months, I don’t think I’m doing anything demonstratably wrong.
Of course, other medications may affect nutrient metabolism in different ways, and if you drink or smoke that also has effects that could further complicate matters. So don’t take my word for it all! Talk to your doctor and do your own research!
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