8 Science-Backed Vitamins for Thyroid Health

For your thyroid to properly support the health of your body, it needs to contain certain minerals. Taking certain supplements can help support thyroid health.

What are the best supplements for thyroid health?

Your thyroid gland is an important hormone gland, playing a vital role in your metabolism, growth, and bodily development. The thyroid gland helps your body with many functions by releasing thyroid hormones into the bloodstream. If your body is in need of more energy under certain conditions – for example, during pregnancy – the thyroid gland produces more hormones. Your thyroid also manages your overall metabolism.

While the thyroid is important, thyroid problems are relatively common, with up to 7% of the U.S. population experiencing imbalances in thyroid hormones. Such issues are usually treated through medication, but there’s evidence to suggest that dietary supplements and vitamins and minerals can also be part of the solution. In what follows, you can learn more about which supplements can be good for your thyroid health.

“While the thyroid is important, thyroid problems are relatively common, with up to 7% of the U.S. population experiencing imbalances in thyroid hormones.”

Selenium and thyroid health

Selenium is a mineral that’s necessary for your thyroid’s hormone production, and it protects the thyroid from oxidative stress-related damage. A selenium deficiency can contribute to thyroid issues, as selenium is necessary for the thyroid to convert the thyroxine (T4) hormone into triiodothyronine (T3), which is the active form of the hormone. Maintaining adequate selenium levels – whether through diet or supplementation – is necessary for thyroid health and your body’s overall health. Some foods rich in selenium include eggs, sardines, tuna, legumes, and Brazil nuts. Consult with a medical professional before taking a selenium supplement, as high levels can lead to other health problems.

Zinc and thyroid health

Like selenium, zinc is necessary for your thyroid’s production of hormones. You need a good concentration of zinc in order to ensure adequate levels of the thyroid hormones T3, T4, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). A study showed that zinc supplementation has a positive impact on thyroid hormone levels, particularly T3, and that it also had a positive impact on the resting metabolic rate.

Iron and thyroid health

Iron is a mineral that you can find naturally in many foods, while being widely available in supplement form. When it comes to thyroid health, iron is essential, as it’s necessary for the thyroid to convert T4 into T3 hormones. Studies have shown that iron deficiency can be associated with thyroid dysfunction. It’s important, though, to consult a medical professional before starting an iron supplement, as high levels are bad for your body. You won’t get toxic levels of iron from your diet, however.

Iodine and thyroid health

As far as we know, iodine has one known rule in the body – and that’s to support thyroid function. T3 and T4 hormones both contain iodine, and studies have shown that iodine deficiencies can lead to thyroid problems. Some foods rich in iodine include:

• Seaweed (nori, kelp, kombu, wakame)
• Fish, shellfish (cod, canned tuna, oysters, shrimp)
• Table salts labeled “iodized”
• Dairy (milk, cheese, yogurt)
• Eggs
• Beef liver
• Chicken
• Fortified infant formula

Vitamin D and thyroid health

Vitamin D is an important vitamin for many reasons, including its role in strengthening our bones and promoting the growth of our cells. What you may not know, though, is that vitamin D is also important for thyroid health. Studies have shown that vitamin D deficiencies can negatively affect thyroid function. You can up your vitamin D intake from sun exposure, some foods (where vitamin D is either added or naturally present), or in supplement form.

Probiotics and thyroid health

A healthy gut is good for your immune system and for thyroid function. Probiotics can be hugely helpful to gut health, ensuring the presence of healthy gut microbiota. Indeed, studies show that probiotic supplementation can have benefits for your thyroid hormones and thyroid function.

DIM and thyroid health

Diindolylmethane (DIM) supplements are most commonly used to address hormone imbalances among women, with the most notable imbalance benign estrogen dominance. Studies show that DIM can help female patients who are experiencing hormone-related thyroid problems. DIM is found naturally in cruciferous vegetables, cabbage and cauliflower among them.

Ashwagandha and thyroid health

Ashwagandha is what we call an “adaptogen” – a natural substance believed to help boost the body’s resistance to physical, environmental, and emotional stressors. It’s been celebrated for its therapeutic qualities in the traditional practice of Ayurvedic medicine for over 3,000 years. It’s also been shown to stimulate thyroid function by boosting thyroid hormone levels.

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How can I boost my thyroid naturally?

There are some easy ways to boost your thyroid naturally. First of all, you can try exercising, which can stimulate your thyroid gland for thyroid hormone production. It’s important, too, to ensure proper energy and nutrient intake, as low caloric intake can slow down thyroid hormone production. You may also want to try to take steps to reduce stress. Stress causes your body to release cortisol, and too much cortisol can interfere with thyroid hormone production. Lastly, you can make adjustments to your diet – more on that below.

Best foods for thyroid health

There are fortunately quite a few foods that are great for thyroid health. Some of these options are high in selenium, including:

• Eggs
• Sardines
• Tuna
• Legumes
• Brazil nuts

Some iodine-rich options include:

• Seaweed (nori, kelp, kombu, wakame)
• Fish, shellfish (cod, canned tuna, oysters, shrimp)
• Table salts labeled “iodized”
• Dairy (milk, cheese, yogurt)
• Eggs
• Beef liver
• Chicken

Other foods that are good for your thyroid include leafy greens, lima beans, and soy.

What supplements interact with thyroid medication?

As a rule, you want to be careful with thyroid supplements when you’re taking thyroid medication. Thyroid medication should be taken away from other supplements. Consult with a medical professional before embarking on thyroid supplements.

Key takeaways

Your thyroid needs certain minerals to be able to function properly. When your thyroid lacks the necessary minerals, you may experience thyroid issues as a result. There are steps you can take to help keep your thyroid healthy, including making lifestyle and diet adjustments, and consulting with a medical professional about the use of certain supplements.

Vitamins for an underactive thyroid – DR.VEGAN

One in twenty people suffer thyroid conditions. Women are up to eight times more likely than men to suffer a thyroid condition in their lifetime, and fifteen times more likely than men to suffer an underactive thyroid condition. 

Our earlier article explains ‘The best foods for thyroid conditions’ and here we explain some of the potentially important vitamins for underactive and overactive thyroid conditions.   If you’re taking thyroid medication, always check with your Doctor or healthcare provider before taking supplements. 

Supplements for an underactive thyroid

Iodine

Correcting an Iodine deficiency, or suboptimal levels is a good place to start for low thyroid function. It is not recommended however for an overactive thyroid. If you are on thyroid medication, it is essential that you get advice from your healthcare professional first, as it may interact with an Iodine supplement.

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High quality multi-vitamin 

A high quality multi-vitamin formula is another good supplement to consider for low thyroid function. Look for one that has good levels of Zinc, Copper, Selenium and B Vitamins.

A multi-vitamin formula with any of these vitamins still needs to be checked with your GP healthcare professional if you’re taking medication as interactions may occur. Our award-winning Daily Multi-Vitamin has 24 essential nutrients at optimal levels, with highly absorbable ingredients, fuelling your daily energy, mental performance, skin, nails and hair, and much more.

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Probiotics and pre-biotics

Probiotics and pre-biotics are generally considered safe for individuals on thyroid medication. Probiotics and prebiotics added into a supplement regime may come with a few beneficial surprises, as probiotics are needed for nearly every area of the body – learn more in ‘What are probiotics’.

Gut Works is a unique pre and probiotic, with 50bn CFU and 6 clinically studied strains of healthy bacteria, shown in research to be 3x more effective than standard probiotics.  Gut Works is uniquely formulated to relieve IBS and fuel your energy, mental performance, skin health and immunity. 

Vitamin D3

Ask your Doctor or nutritionist for a Vitamin D test and take a dose of Vitamin D that is matched to your current blood levels. Vitamin D is generally safe for those on thyroid medication. Learn more about Vitamin D in our article ‘How do I know if I’m deficient in Vitamin D?’.

Magnesium

Magnesium is a ‘Mineral Superhero’ and generally needs to be taken separately rather than in a multi-nutrient formula to receive the therapeutic level needed by the body. Find out why it’s so good in our article ‘Magnesium: The Mineral Superhero and discover the signs of magnesium deficiency.

Magnesium may be even more beneficial when taken before bed as it may improve sleep. Magnesium is generally safe for those on thyroid medication, however, always consult with your GP first.

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Best foods for an underactive thyroid

In our article ‘Best foods for thyroid conditions’ we explain the key vitamins and nutrients needed in your diet, and the best foods to get them in.  Here’s a short and simple guide.

Protein rich foods

High quality protein rich foods, especially peanuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds are all good for thyroid conditions because they contain an amino acid called tyrosine which is needed to make thyroid hormones.

Fermented foods

Fermented foods are beneficial for thyroid glands because they contain probiotics which support the immune system, as well as the conversion of nutrients needed for the thyroid.

Fibre rich foods

Fibre rich foods such as vegetables and fruits provide a good food source for the probiotics in your gut which support the thyroid, and a host of other benefits. 

Best supplements for an overactive thyroid

B Vitamins with Vitamin B12

Deficiency in Vitamin B12 can be linked to hyperthyroidism. Getting a B12 test and taking the right supplements or injections is essential.  You can learn more in our article ‘5 signs you may be low in Vitamin B12’.

If you are not overtly deficient in B12, a B Vitamin complex supplement can support the normal function of the thyroid. Again, if you are on medication, it is important that you consult with your GP first before taking supplements (we can’t stress this enough!).

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Selenium

Selenium has been shown in some research to improve the symptoms of an overactive thyroid. There is one symptom that can occur with overactive thyroid called thyroid eye disease, which Selenium has been shown to help. You should discuss with your Doctor first before taking Selenium if you are on medication. 

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Vitamins for hypothyroidism in women, which ones to take

Hypothyroidism or – a fairly common disease that provokes a prolonged lack of hormones produced by the body. In order for the gland to produce the required amount of its hormones, the body must receive sufficient nutrients.

In this publication, we will look at which vitamins should be taken in case of hypothyroidism in order to promote a faster recovery.

Contents:

• Features of treatment for hypothyroidism
• The most important trace elements and vitamins for hypothyroidism
• Important vitamins
• Which foods should be preferred for hypothyroidism?
• Fundamentals of nutrition in case of hypothyroidism
• What complexes should be paid attention to
• Summary

Features of treatment in case of hypothyroidism

The thyroid gland is the largest gland in the human body. The correct functioning of metabolism, as well as the normal development of cells, depends on the amount of thyroid hormones. Therefore, the health of the thyroid gland affects not only the functioning of the endocrine system, but the whole organism as a whole.

Hypothyroidism is characterized by decreased production of hormones by the thyroid gland. A patient with hypothyroidism has a deficiency of thyroid hormones: triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). This negatively affects the production of enzymes that affect the performance of the digestive tract. As a result, patients begin to rapidly gain weight, while their energy decreases.

For example, ascorbic acid, which is found in many vegetables and fruits, strengthens the walls of blood vessels, and thus prevents complications of the disease: the appearance of edema and the development of atherosclerosis. Thus, the prevention of thyroid diseases, as well as their effective treatment, is possible only when a person’s daily food is rich in useful substances.

The most important trace elements and vitamins for hypothyroidism

Foods rich in vitamins.

We will consider which trace elements and vitamins are most necessary for hypothyroidism. Taking them regularly, and in sufficient quantities, the patient will be able to maintain the normal activity of the thyroid gland, and thus, positively affect the entire body.

Iodine occupies the first place among microelements. It is the lack of iodine that leads to the development of hypothyroidism. The mineral selenium is very important for the normal functioning of the thyroid gland. It takes part in the conversion of the T4 hormone to the T3 hormone. The trace element iron takes part in the conversion of iodide, which enters the body with food, into a useful form of iodine.

Iron takes part in the conversion of T4 to T3. Micronutrient deficiency can lead to anemia and aggravate hypothyroidism, especially in women. It is associated with menstrual bleeding. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for the production of T3 and T4 and for the maintenance of the immune system.

Important vitamins

Vitamin A is formed in the body from beta-carotene, which comes from food. With hypothyroidism, the rate of vitamin formation slows down. With an insufficient amount of vitamin A, vision problems occur, immunity weakens, and complications with metabolic processes develop.

Vitamin E has an effect directly on the thyroid tissue. Its lack can lead to the destruction of organ tissues and the appearance of such dangerous consequences as diffuse goiter.

When the body is provided with the necessary amount of vitamin, it contributes to the normalization of the functioning of both the thyroid gland and the adrenal and pituitary glands. It is also important that the vitamin is a natural antioxidant and has a positive effect on strengthening the immune system.

B vitamins ensure the normal functioning of the endocrine, cardiovascular and digestive systems. They also take part in metabolic processes.

Vitamins B12, B9 and B6 are especially important in hypothyroidism. Vitamin B12 delivers iodine to the thyroid gland, which produces its own hormones from it. In addition, it is necessary for the production of thyroid-stimulating hormone by the pituitary gland, which stimulates the synthesis of thyroid hormones.

The combination of vitamins B12 and B9 serves as a source of dopamine, a substance that helps fight depression, which develops very often in patients with hypothyroidism. Vitamin B6 takes an active part in metabolic processes and is necessary for the full functioning of the endocrine system.

Vitamin D is necessary for the synthesis of the hormone T3, strengthening the immune system and the absorption of calcium by the body. In order for calcium to settle in the bone tissue, and not in the arteries, vitamin D must be consumed in conjunction with vitamin potassium. Vitamin C regulates the synthesis of thyroid hormones in conditions of depression and improves immunity.

Which foods should be preferred in case of hypothyroidism?

All the vitamins described by us can be obtained from food if a person adheres to a certain diet.

The best diet for hypothyroidism.

We will look at what foods should be consumed in case of hypothyroidism in order to provide the body with the necessary vitamins:

1. Vitamin A is most found in bright orange foods: pumpkin, carrots, apricots, mangoes, as well as cabbage and liver.
2. Vitamin E is found in olive and other vegetable oils, nuts, eggs, citrus fruits and green vegetables.
3. B vitamins can be obtained by regularly consuming various types of nuts, whole grain cereals and whole grain breads, dairy products, eggs, meat. They are found in large quantities in seafood and fatty fish.
4. Vitamin D can be obtained from a variety of seafood, marine fish and iodine-rich algae, as well as dairy products, liver and eggs.
5. Vitamin C is found in vegetables, berries and fruits. The leaders in its content are parsley, bell pepper, currants and all citrus fruits.

As you can see, the list of products is quite large. Therefore, everyone will be able to choose healthy products for themselves, taking into account their preferences in food.

Expert opinion

Roman Andreevich

Candidate of Medical Sciences, gynecologist-obstetrician, work experience 14 years.

Cabbage and spinach with hypothyroidism can only be consumed after heat treatment. So they break down goitrogens – substances that interfere with the thyroid gland, produce T4 and T3.

Nutrition basics for hypothyroidism

Foods that suppress thyroid function.

Exist:

1. Meals should be fractional – you should eat at least 5 times a day, but in small portions.
2. Fried foods should be avoided completely. The fact is that during the preparation of such food, fat decay products are formed, which make changes in metabolic processes, and are also an additional burden on blood vessels.
3. To reduce the load on the digestive tract, food should be well ground and have a temperature in the range of 20 to 60 degrees. After all, too hot or cold food requires more energy for digestion, and the patient’s body is weakened.
4. Iodized salt should be used daily, but only in non-cooked or post-cooked dishes. During the rise in temperature, iodine is not stored.
5. The basis of the diet should be food rich in protein, both animal and vegetable origin.
6. It is important that the level of vitamin B12 is correct. After all, he, in fact, is a transporter of iodine to the thyroid gland.

An integral part of the treatment of thyroid pathology becomes, selected for the patient by a doctor.

Which complexes should be paid attention to

When a patient’s blood tests show a significant deficiency of some vitamin, it will not be possible to quickly replenish it with food.

It is necessary to take a pharmacy complex. What vitamins to use for a particular patient can only be decided by his attending doctor.

Expert opinion

Elena Sergeevna

Gynecologist-obstetrician, professor, work experience 19 years.

The group of vitamins A and E are absorbed better together than separately. Aevit and Axerophthol have proven themselves well. With a deficiency of vitamin D, it is prescribed to take Fish oil, Alpha D3.

To replenish the iron norm, patients are prescribed complexes containing a microelement and other vitamins: Duovit, Suprodin. More energy with a lack of iodine in a patient will increase from taking Dopelgerz active Iodine plus Iron. taken according to the instructions, but most drugs are drunk once a day after breakfast.

Total

Numerous studies have shown that in such a disease of the thyroid gland, the success of treatment depends not only on therapy, but also on a diet rich in vitamins and microelements. Violation of the functions of the thyroid gland is characterized by slow metabolic reactions.

To normalize the function of the thyroid gland, it is necessary to saturate the body with microelements and vitamins, which are less than normal. An excess of vitamins poses a threat to the health of the patient. Therefore, the thyroid gland should be under the constant supervision of a doctor. We wish you good health!

Thyroid gland – keep under control

Important hormones

ronin). It is these hormones that throughout life support the work of the brain, heart, muscles, regulate the metabolism in the body. So our mental abilities, body weight, physical activity, sexual development, skeletal bone strength, skin and hair condition, sleep and appetite depend on the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland works correctly – a person is alert, active, calm, feels good and looks good. There are violations in its activity – the symptoms can be very different: for example, let’s take body weight. With increased production of thyroid hormones, a person can eat as much as he wants, but will lose weight. And with a reduced function, you can eat nothing at all, but gain weight, because the so-called mucous edema develops in the body. And the matter will not be at all in nutrition, but in the thyroid gland.

Essential iodine

Various factors affect how the thyroid gland functions: even stress and insomnia can disrupt the production of its hormones. But still, most of all, for normal functioning of the thyroid gland, iodine is needed, it is from it that thyroid hormones consist of 65%. Our body cannot produce this microelement on its own, we get it only from the outside – from food, water or medicines. And if there is little iodine in the diet, then, therefore, the thyroid gland will not be able to produce the required amount of hormones. In ordinary life, of course, this is also bad, but not yet so critical, but during pregnancy, iodine deficiency can cause real problems. After all, now this trace element is needed not only by a woman, but also by her child. Both the very bearing of the baby and his health will be under threat: after all, as mentioned above, the thyroid gland affects all organs and systems.

Development of the baby

Let’s start with the fact that the baby is completely dependent on the mother’s thyroid gland. In the unborn child, the thyroid gland, although it begins to form already at the 4–5th week of pregnancy, but it begins to function, that is, it begins to produce hormones only at 12 weeks, and it is capable of finally working at full strength by the 16–17th week. pregnancy. Until that time, the development of the child and the laying of all his organs and systems are “under the protection” of the mother’s thyroid gland. And if a woman has little iodine, then this means that some system or organ of the baby may suffer. And even when the child’s own thyroid gland is formed and starts working, she can still take iodine only from the mother’s body.

Iodine deficiency most strongly affects intellectual development, even if a child is born physically healthy, his mental abilities may be lower than those of his peers.

In slow motion

Lack of iodine leads to the development of hypothyroidism – reduced production of thyroid hormones , which means that energy is produced less intensively and all processes in the body slow down. At first, the woman feels weak, she constantly wants to sleep. Hair fades, splits and falls out, nails exfoliate and break. There is excess weight, constipation, a feeling of chilliness. With developed hypothyroidism, the face becomes puffy, the eyelids swell, dry skin flakes and sometimes even turns slightly yellow. Due to swelling of the vocal cords, the voice may become lower. Many of these symptoms of hypothyroidism are similar to the usual “troubles” of pregnancy (especially weakness, drowsiness, excess weight, constipation), but if they are significantly pronounced, there is a reason for examining the thyroid gland. So if the expectant mother is tired, looks bad, she does not care what is happening around, do not blame everything on pregnancy or beriberi. Perhaps there are problems with the thyroid gland.

Change of mood

With the onset of pregnancy, when the thyroid gland begins to work for two, it enlarges a little and produces a little more hormones. This is a common occurrence, and after pregnancy everything will return to normal. But there are women in whom, for some reason, the thyroid gland begins to produce too many hormones and without the influence of pregnancy, hyperthyroidism (or thyrotoxicosis) occurs. Then other symptoms appear – imbalance, tearfulness, agitation, increased appetite, slight trembling in the hands, sleep disturbances. The body temperature can rise to small values ​​for no reason, the head often hurts, the heart beats faster, and blood pressure rises. If such symptoms appear, especially if there is still vomiting that seems to be normal for pregnant women with significant weight loss, an examination of the thyroid gland is necessary.

Going to the doctor

If the expectant mother has not been to an endocrinologist before, now is the time to visit this specialist and, possibly, do a blood test to determine the level of thyroid hormones.

Even if everything is in order with the thyroid gland, the doctor will still recommend taking either a separate medicine with iodine or a vitamin complex. The fact is that in Russia, in most regions, both water and food contain little iodine, so that it does not come with enough food. Moreover, if before pregnancy the daily dose of iodine was 150 mcg, now the expectant mother should take 200 mcg already. But still, before taking even harmless vitamins with iodine, it is better to check the level of thyroid hormones.

Also, in order to prevent iodine deficiency, you can salt your food with iodized salt (although salt by itself is not healthy). A lot of iodine is found in sea fish, seaweed, squid, persimmon, feijoa, dates, dried figs, dairy products and meat.

Pay attention to the thyroid gland, and it will definitely help you look and feel good!

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