Vitamins and supplements for normal thyroid function

Thyroid disorders are prevalent, impacting as much as 20% of the population. Treatment options, based on the underlying cause, include thyroid hormone replacement, antithyroid medications, and occasionally surgical intervention.

Normal thyroid function depends on several nutritional components:

• Iodine is essential for thyroid function and thyroid is practically the only organ in the human body that makes use of it. The thyroid hormones T4 and T3 contain iodine and its deficiency causes thyroid dysfunction.

• Selenium is of particular importance for the synthesis of thyroid hormones. The thyroid contains a large amount of selenium, which protects against damage due to oxidative stress, and its deficiency causes problems with thyroid function.

• Zinc and magnesium are also important for the production of thyroid hormones in normal concentrations.

• Iron is used to convert T4 to T3, the active form of thyroid hormone. Iron deficiency is often associated with thyroid dysfunction, both as a cause and as a result.

• Vitamin D plays an important role in immune function and its deficiency has been linked, in addition to problems with bone metabolism, to autoimmune thyroid problems.

• B complex vitamins, especially B12 and folate, are essential for optimal thyroid function and are affected in thyroid diseases.

A balanced diet is crucial for sustaining good health. However, for various reasons, this is often not achieved, which creates the need for supplement intake. Certain population groups with specific needs include those who adhere to restrictive diets (such as vegans), have inconsistent diets, or experience malabsorption issues, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and individuals living in regions lacking iodine or selenium.

SPECIAL CASES

Autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto's disease) is the leading cause of hypothyroidism, which is managed with thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Patients with Hashimoto's often experience nutrient deficiencies, primarily due to decreased absorption. Consuming a diet high in selenium is crucial, but deficiencies in vitamins, minerals, and trace elements, such as iron, zinc, B12, and vitamin D, are also commonly seen.

Autoimmune hyperthyroidism (Graves) is the leading cause of hyperthyroidism and can also result in thyroid ophthalmopathy. Selenium supplementation is definitively indicated in Graves' ophthalmopathy, and recently, the significance of vitamin D has also been recognized.

For individuals with known thyroid autoimmunity living in regions with adequate

iodine levels, it is advised to avoid excessive iodine exposure to prevent aggravating

the thyroid condition.

It is crucial to highlight that the use of dietary supplements, particularly those concerning thyroid function, should be personalized and determined after consulting with an Endocrinologist, considering the patient's unique nutritional requirements and habits.