Thyroid Support Supplements: Information, Safety Guidelines, and Useful Tips
In the realm of health and wellness, the topic of thyroid supplements continues to gain attention. A 2013 article shed light on the fact that many over-the-counter supplements marketed for thyroid health lack scientific basis and may contain harmful ingredients for people with certain thyroid conditions [1]. However, for individuals with specific thyroid disorders, certain supplements can promote healthy thyroid function.
For those with Hashimoto's disease, supplements such as selenium, Myo-Inositol, and iron may offer benefits [2]. Scientifically proven benefits and risks of nutritional supplements for thyroid health vary by supplement type, with iodine and selenium being among the most studied.
Iodine is essential for thyroid hormone synthesis and can benefit individuals with iodine deficiency, improving thyroid function over weeks to months [3][4]. Mild supplementation (150–300 mcg/day) is generally safe and effective for meeting thyroid iodine needs. However, excessive iodine intake can harm thyroid function, potentially reducing it or triggering thyroid dysfunction [3][4].
Selenium has been clinically supported to aid in healthy thyroid function, particularly in autoimmune thyroid conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Selenium may help reduce thyroid antibody levels and inflammation [2].
While these supplements can be beneficial, it is crucial to approach supplementation with caution. Nutritional supplements may have side effects or adverse reactions, especially if combined with thyroid medications. Some supplements might interact with medications or cause allergic reactions, gastrointestinal symptoms, or other issues.
To make informed decisions, it is advisable to consult healthcare professionals before starting thyroid supplements. This evaluation ensures individual thyroid status and helps avoid interactions with thyroid medications [2]. Focusing on clinically studied supplements with established safety profiles, such as iodine and selenium, and avoiding excessive doses is key.
Progressive and cautious supplementation—starting low and going slow—especially with iodine, helps minimize risks. Supplements should complement—not replace—standard medical treatments prescribed by doctors [1][2].
When choosing supplements, it is crucial to speak with a healthcare professional to ensure they are safe for the individual and do not interact with existing medications or pose risks before surgery or chemotherapy. Consuming iron-rich foods or taking iron supplements may affect the body's ability to absorb thyroxine, so some doctors recommend waiting a couple of hours after taking thyroxine before taking an iron supplement.
There is not enough evidence to suggest whether selenium supplements can lower a person's risk of thyroid disorders, but they may be beneficial for people with Hashimoto's disease. People with a healthy thyroid must have proper levels of iodine in their bodies, with a daily recommended intake of 150 micrograms for people over 19 years old. In people with hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, taking iodine supplements can be unnecessary or potentially harmful.
The FDA does not regulate dietary supplements for safety or effectiveness, but they have established good manufacturing practices for supplement companies, and people can look out for quality assurance seals from independent organizations. The body requires zinc for thyroid function, but taking too much zinc for extended periods may cause digestive symptoms or lead to low copper levels or lowered immunity.
Consuming high amounts of some nutrients, such as iodine, can adversely affect thyroid health, cause side effects, or have general health risks. The impact of nutrition and supplements on thyroid cancer is still unclear, but correcting iodine deficiency can make thyroid cancer subtypes less aggressive without affecting the overall risk for cancer.
Iron deficiency anemia may lead to hypothyroidism, but taking too much iron can cause toxicity, decrease zinc absorption, and interact with medications. Vitamin D is a dietary supplement that helps the body regulate calcium and phosphate production. It has shown possible links between low vitamin D levels and thyroid cancer and autoimmune thyroid diseases like Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease, but these links are not definite.
Foods rich in vitamin A include beef liver, salmon, green leafy vegetables, and dairy products. Foods rich in vitamin D include fatty fish, fish liver oils, fortified foods like milk, orange juice, and cereals. Taking too much iodine in the form of supplements can lead to hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
The body requires selenium for antioxidant function and the metabolism of thyroid hormones, and a deficiency of selenium can lead to thyroid dysfunction. However, high selenium intake can lead to various conditions, such as hyperglycemia, atherosclerosis, or cancer. A person should avoid supplements and natural boosters that contain kelp, as it could have adverse effects on thyroid function.
Some commercially available supplements contain a dosage of T3 and T4 that is higher than what doctors prescribe, which can lead to iatrogenic thyrotoxicosis, a potentially fatal condition. For people with Graves' disease, supplements such as selenium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 may offer benefits.
In summary, iodine and selenium have scientifically supported roles in maintaining thyroid health when used appropriately, but excessive or unsupervised supplement use carries risks. Informed decisions rely on professional guidance, appropriate dosing, monitoring, and use of evidence-based supplements.
- For individuals with Hashimoto's disease, supplements like selenium, Myo-Inositol, and iron may offer benefits in promoting healthy thyroid function.
- Selenium has been clinically supported to aid in healthy thyroid function, particularly in autoimmune thyroid conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
- Mild supplementation (150–300 mcg/day) of iodine is generally safe and effective for meeting thyroid iodine needs, but excessive iodine intake can harm thyroid function.
- While supplements can be beneficial, it is crucial to approach supplementation with caution, as nutritional supplements may have side effects or adverse reactions, especially if combined with thyroid medications.
- Consuming iron-rich foods or taking iron supplements may affect the body's ability to absorb thyroxine, so some doctors recommend waiting a couple of hours after taking thyroxine before taking an iron supplement.
- The FDA does not regulate dietary supplements for safety or effectiveness, but people can look out for quality assurance seals from independent organizations.
- Foods rich in vitamin A include beef liver, salmon, green leafy vegetables, and dairy products, while foods rich in vitamin D include fatty fish, fish liver oils, fortified foods like milk, orange juice, and cereals.
