Hypothyroidism - Supplements

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Hypothyroidism
Get a handle on hypothyroidism. When the thyroid gland fails to function adequately the result is reduced hormone levels. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful.
  • Find the cause

    See your doctor to consider underlying health issues that may be causing your hypothyroidism

  • Check your iodine intake

    Consult with a nutritionist to learn whether you are getting too little or too much iodine from food, medications, and supplements

Also indexed as:
  • hypothyroid,
  • hypothyroidism,
  • underactive thyroid gland
Alternative Treatments

About this treatment

What Are "Star" Ratings?

a7_3star Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.

a7_2star Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.

a7_1star For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.

For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.


SupplementAmountWhy
Iodine
Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner2 stars Iodine deficiency and excessive iodine intake can both lead to hypothyroidism, so ask your doctor if supplementing with iodine is right for you.


2 stars Iodine

Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner

The relationship between iodine and thyroid function is complex. Iodine is required by the body to form thyroid hormone, and iodine deficiency can lead to goiter and hypothyroidism.1 Severe and prolonged iodine deficiency can potentially lead to serious types of hypothyroidism, such as myxedema or cretinism. It is estimated that one and a half billion people living in 118 countries around the world are at risk for developing iodine deficiency.2

Today, most cases of iodine deficiency occur in developing nations. In industrialized countries where iodized salt is used, iodine deficiency has become extremely rare. On the other hand, iodine toxicity has become a concern in some of these countries.3 Excessive iodine intake can result in either hypothyroidism4 or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).5 Sources of iodine include foods (iodized salt, milk, water, seaweed, ground beef), dietary supplements (multiple vitamin-mineral formulas, seaweed extracts), drugs (potassium iodide, amiodarone, topical antiseptics), and iodine-containing solutions used in certain laboratory tests. Many nutritional supplements contain 150 mcg of iodine. While that amount of iodine should prevent a deficiency, it is not clear whether supplementing with iodine is necessary or desirable for most people. Those wishing to take a nutritional supplement containing iodine should consult a doctor.


SupplementAmountWhy
Bladderwrack
Refer to label instructions 1 star Bladderwrack is a type of brown seaweed that contains iodine. Hypothyroidism due to insufficient iodine intake may improve with bladderwrack supplementation.


1 star Bladderwrack

Bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus) is a type of brown seaweed that contains variable amounts of iodine.6 Hypothyroidism due to insufficient intake of iodine may possibly improve with bladderwrack supplementation, though human studies have not confirmed this.


SupplementAmountWhy
Selenium
(Selenium Deficiency)
Refer to label instructions 1 star Selenium plays a role in thyroid hormone metabolism. People who are deficient in selenium may benefit from supplementation.


1 star Selenium

Selenium plays a role in thyroid hormone metabolism. Severe selenium deficiency has been implicated as a possible cause of goiter.7 Two months of selenium supplementation in people who were deficient in both selenium and iodine was shown to induce a dramatic fall of the already impaired thyroid function in clinically hypothyroid subjects.8 Researchers have suggested that people who are deficient in both selenium and iodine should not take selenium supplements without first receiving iodine or thyroid hormone supplementation.9 There is no research demonstrating that selenium supplementation helps people with hypothyroidism who are not selenium-deficient.


SupplementAmountWhy
Thyroid Extracts
Refer to label instructions 1 star Thyroid extract is used by some doctors as an alternative to synthetic thyroid hormones. One doctor reported that thyroid extract worked better than standard thyroid preparations for many of his patients with hypothyroidism.


1 star Thyroid Extracts

Desiccated thyroid, also called thyroid extract (e.g., Armour Thyroid), is used by some doctors as an alternative to synthetic thyroid hormones (such as thyroxine [Synthroid or other brand names]) for people with hypothyroidism. Thyroid extract contains two biologically active hormones (thyroxine and triiodothyronine), whereas the most commonly prescribed thyroid-hormone preparations contain only thyroxine. One study has shown that the combination of the two hormones contained in desiccated thyroid is more effective than thyroxine alone for those with hypothyroidism.10 One doctor reported that thyroid extract worked better than standard thyroid preparations for many of his patients with hypothyroidism.11 Glandular thyroid products, which are available from health food stores, have had most of the thyroid hormone removed and would therefore not be expected to be effective for people with hypothyroidism. Intact desiccated thyroid is available only by prescription. Hypothyroidism sufferers who want to use desiccated thyroid must first consult with a physician.


SupplementAmountWhy
Vitamin A
Refer to label instructions 1 star People with hypothyroidism may have an impaired ability to convert beta-carotene to vitamin A. For this reason, some doctors suggest supplementing with vitamin A.


1 star Vitamin A

People with hypothyroidism have been shown to have an impaired ability to convert beta-carotene to vitamin A.12 , 13 For this reason, some doctors suggest taking supplemental vitamin A (approximately 5,000–10,000 IU per day) if they are not consuming adequate amounts in their diet.


SupplementAmountWhy
Vitamin B3
Refer to label instructions 1 star Vitamin B3 (niacin) supplementation may decrease thyroid hormone levels.


1 star Vitamin B3

Preliminary data indicate that vitamin B3 (niacin) supplementation may decrease thyroid hormone levels. In one small study, 2.6 grams of niacin per day helped lower blood fat levels.14 After a year or more, thyroid hormone levels had fallen significantly in each person, although none experienced symptoms of hypothyroidism. In another case report, thyroid hormone levels decreased in two people who were taking niacin for high cholesterol and triglycerides; one of these two was diagnosed with hypothyroidism.15 When the niacin was discontinued for one month, thyroid hormone levels returned to normal.


SupplementAmountWhy
Zinc
Refer to label instructions 1 star In people with low zinc, supplementing with zinc may increased thyroid hormone levels.


1 star Zinc

Laboratory animals with severe, experimentally induced zinc deficiency developed hypothyroidism, whereas moderate zinc deficiency did not affect thyroid function.16 In a small study of healthy people, thyroid hormone (thyroxine) levels tended to be lower in those with lower blood levels of zinc. In people with low zinc, supplementing with zinc increased thyroxine levels.17 One case has been reported of a woman with severe zinc deficiency (caused by the combination of alcoholism and malabsorption) who developed hypothyroidism that was corrected by supplementing with zinc.18 Although the typical Western diet is marginally low in zinc,19 additional research is needed to determine whether zinc supplementation would be effective for preventing or correcting hypothyroidism.

Last Review: 05-11-2011

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Copyright © 2011 Aisle7. All rights reserved. www.Aisle7.net

Learn more about Aisle7, the company.

The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2011.

© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

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