Supplements for Thyroid Health:
What You Need to Know
Thyroid issues, like underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), and thyroid cancer, are pretty common. For example, about 7% of Americans have hypothyroidism, which means their thyroid isn’t making enough hormones.
Treatment for thyroid problems depends on the specific condition and may involve supplements, nutritional changes, or medications.
Studies suggest that diet changes and certain supplements may help manage some thyroid diseases in addition to these standard treatments.
However, not all supplements are beneficial; some might worsen thyroid health.
This article explores how certain supplements may support those dealing with thyroid-related health issues.
Supplements to Support Overall Thyroid Health
Walking down the supplement aisle at your local health store, you might notice products specifically for thyroid health. Thyroid problems are common, and many companies now offer supplements claiming to "support thyroid health."
While some of these products are safe, others can cause side effects or even harm your thyroid.
Before explaining why these supplements might not suit everyone, knowing which nutrients are essential for your thyroid to function correctly is helpful. Here are some essential nutrients:
Selenium: This mineral is essential for making thyroid hormones and protects the thyroid from damage. The thyroid has a lot of selenium, and not getting enough can cause problems.
Iodine: Iodine is crucial for thyroid function, as its main job is helping the thyroid make hormones. A lack of iodine can lead to thyroid disease.
Zinc: Zinc is needed for the production of thyroid hormones. Healthy levels of these hormones require enough zinc in the body.
Iron: Iron helps the thyroid convert certain hormones into their active form. A lack of iron can lead to thyroid problems.
Other nutrients, like B vitamins and vitamins A and E, also help keep the thyroid healthy. Being deficient in one or more of these nutrients can increase one's chances of developing thyroid issues.
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For most people, eating a balanced diet rich in whole foods provides all the nutrients needed for a healthy thyroid. However, some groups may need supplements, such as those on strict diets, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, or those already dealing with thyroid issues or other health conditions.
Is it worth taking thyroid-specific supplements?
Eating a healthy, balanced diet is essential for keeping your thyroid functioning well, and not getting enough of certain nutrients can lead to thyroid problems. However, if you don’t have any thyroid issues and already eat a nutritious diet, there’s usually no reason to take thyroid-specific supplements.
Some of these supplements can be harmful. Many thyroid supplements contain too much iodine or even include thyroid hormones, which can be risky. For example, one study found that most supplements tested had T3 and T4, two essential thyroid hormones. Some even had higher levels than what doctors prescribe to people with low thyroid function. Taking these can cause too much thyroid hormone in your body, leading to symptoms of hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid), which can cause serious health problems.
Excess iodine from supplements can also cause thyroid issues, especially in those who are prone to thyroid problems, potentially leading to hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). Even people who already have thyroid conditions should avoid these supplements, as they can make their condition worse.
So, whether or not you have a thyroid condition, it is best to avoid supplements claiming to boost thyroid health. Instead, consult a healthcare provider to create a plan that fits your needs.
Supplements for Graves Disease
Graves’ disease is a leading cause of an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) in the U.S. It’s an autoimmune condition and must be treated by a medical provider.
In Graves’ disease, your immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid, causing it to produce too many hormones. This can also result in an enlarged thyroid, known as thyromegaly.
Symptoms of Graves’ disease include losing weight without trying, fast heartbeats, shortness of breath, diarrhea, eye discomfort, feeling tired or weak, irregular periods, trouble sleeping, nervousness, and more.
Treatment usually involves surgery, medications, or radioactive iodine therapy.
Some studies suggest that changing your diet may help manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for those with Graves’ disease. Certain supplements may also be beneficial:
Selenium: Low selenium levels can increase the risk of Graves’ disease. Taking 100–300 mcg of selenium daily improved thyroid function in some people after six months, but the benefits decreased after nine months.
Vitamin D: People with Graves’ disease often have low vitamin D. Taking vitamin D supplements can help improve thyroid health.
L-carnitine: Hyperthyroidism reduces carnitine, which is essential for energy production. Supplementing with L-carnitine may help ease symptoms and improve well-being.
Vitamin B12: Those with Graves’ are more likely to have a B12 deficiency, so taking B12 or a B-complex supplement can help maintain healthy levels.
Other supplements may also help, but you must consult a healthcare professional to find suitable options.
Supplements for Hashimoto’s Disease
Hashimoto’s disease is the leading cause of an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) in the U.S. It’s an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, leading to damage and scarring.
This condition can lead to a wide range of symptoms, including weight gain, tiredness, hair loss, anemia, constipation, feeling cold quickly, joint pain, dry skin, mood swings, and difficulty focusing.
While medication may be necessary, making changes to your diet and lifestyle is essential to help reduce thyroid damage and improve symptoms for those with Hashimoto’s disease. People with this condition are also more likely to have specific vitamin and mineral deficiencies, which can worsen symptoms. Avoiding gluten has shown to help improve the disease.
Research has shown that certain supplements can be helpful for people with Hashimoto’s disease, including:
Selenium: Taking 200 mcg of selenium daily may help lower the number of thyroid antibodies and improve mood.
Myo-Inositol: This sugar-like substance helps the thyroid work properly. A daily dose of 600 mg of Myo-Inositol combined with 83 mcg of selenium may support better thyroid function.
Zinc: Zinc is crucial for producing thyroid hormones. A daily intake of 30 mg of zinc, either alone or with selenium, may boost thyroid health.
Vitamin B12: Many people with Hashimoto’s are low in B12, so taking a supplement can help prevent deficiency and maintain healthy levels.
Magnesium: Low magnesium levels can increase the risk of Hashimoto’s and may raise thyroid antibody levels. Correcting a magnesium deficiency may relieve some symptoms.
Iron: Many women with Hashimoto’s suffer from low iron or anemia, which can negatively affect thyroid function. Iron supplements may be necessary to restore proper levels.
Vitamin D: People with Hashimoto’s are often low in vitamin D, and this deficiency can worsen thyroid function.
Curcumin: Found in turmeric, curcumin may protect the thyroid from damage. When combined with other anti-inflammatory compounds, it may also help reduce the size of thyroid nodules.
Vitamin C: Research suggests vitamin C supplements may help lower thyroid antibodies in people with Hashimoto’s.
Research supports these supplements as helpful in managing Hashimoto’s disease, although other supplements may also offer benefits.
Precautions to adopt when taking thyroid supplements
It's a good idea to avoid taking thyroid-specific supplements unless your doctor recommends them, as they could potentially harm your thyroid and cause issues.
However, specific vitamins and minerals have been found to help improve thyroid function and reduce symptoms for those with thyroid-related conditions, such as Hashimoto’s disease, Graves’ disease, or thyroid cancer.
If you have a thyroid condition, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional who has experience with thyroid disorders, especially if you're on medication. Some supplements, particularly herbal ones, can interact with medications and cause harmful side effects.
Finally, buy supplements from reliable brands that have been tested for quality and purity by trusted organizations like USP or NSF International.
Takeaway
Studies suggest specific vitamins, minerals, and nutrients can help people with thyroid problems.
However, choosing supplements that match your personal health needs is essential.
If you’re considering using supplements for a thyroid condition, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional to make sure they’re safe and will work for you.
