Supplementation in Hashimoto’s and hypothyroidism. What vitamins and minerals can help?

One of the most common causes of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto’s disease, or chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis. Malfunction of the thyroid gland can also be caused by inflammation, malnutrition or the presence of numerous deficiencies. If you suffer from hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s disease, it is worth supporting pharmacological treatment with diet therapy. Adequate diet and proper supplementation help to alleviate the symptoms of the disease, stabilize the endocrine system and maintain a healthy body weight.

The most common vitamin and mineral deficiencies in thyroid diseases

The most dangerous for the thyroid are the concomitant deficiencies of elements such as: iodine, iron, selenium i cynk. Other nutrient deficiencies commonly seen in patients with autoimmune thyroid disease include:

1. protein deficiencies, 
2. vitamin deficiencies: D, A, C, B6, B5, B1,
3. omega-3 deficiency,
4. mineral deficiencies: phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, sodium, chromium. 

In theory, a well-balanced diet should provide all the necessary nutrients. People with hypothyroidism and Hashimot disease often struggle with malabsorptionthat hinder the full absorption of nutrients by the body. A proper diet, supported by well-planned supplementation, helps make up for deficiencies and thus reduce the symptoms of the diseasesuch as drowsiness, problems with concentration and memory (the so-called “brain fog”), metabolism disorders, deterioration of the skin and nails, hair loss and weight gain.

Planning of supplementation in thyroid diseases – what vitamins and minerals should be included?

Selenium

The thyroid gland is the organ with the highest selenium concentration in the body. Selenium deficiency in people with thyroid malfunction can lead to thyroid gland chronic inflammation, weakened immune system and heart. Selenium deficiency can also make it difficult to maintain a healthy body weight. Selenoenzymes are involved in the conversion of the peripheral hormone T4 to T3, therefore this process depends on the correct level of selenium in the body. For this reason, people with selenium deficiency often have slightly elevated levels of the hormone T4 and the ratio of T4 to T3 in the serum, but normal TSH.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is extremely important in autoimmune diseases because it works anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. The proper level of vitamin D plays an important role in the functioning of the immune system, reducing inflammation, improving insulin sensitivity, lowering blood pressure and protecting cells from oxidative stress. Vitamin D deficiency accompanies autoimmune and metabolic diseases, including insulin resistance and obesity. In people diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease, vitamin D deficiency may be associated with a disturbance of intestinal calcium absorption, so apart from natural contact with the sun, it is worth considering additional supplementation.

Supplement common deficiencies in thyroid disorders. Discover the ready-made Thyroset supplementation protocol with an intelligent combination of vitamins, minerals and omega-3 fatty acids.

Omega-3

Omega-3 fatty acids have a widely documented effect anti-inflammatory, thanks to which they are the perfect support for autoimmune diseases. In addition, polyunsaturated fatty acids from the omega-3 family stimulate the conversion of T4 to T3 in the liver, and also improve the sensitivity of tissues to the effects of thyroid hormones. The deficiencies of these fats in the diet concern up to 96% of women diagnosed with autoimmune thyroiditis.

Antioxidants

Due to the immune basis of Hashimoto’s disease and inflammation in the body, the diet should be anti-inflammatory. Antioxidant vitamin deficiencies cause development oxidative stress and disturb homeostasis, which can lead to impairment of cell structure and function. The diet of people struggling with thyroid problems should therefore be equipped with vitamins C, A. i E.

Zinc

Zinc has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is an element necessary for the operation of almost 300 enzymes. Scientific evidence shows that zinc plays a key role in the metabolism of thyroid hormones – low levels of zinc prevent the conversion of the hormone T4 to T3. With a lowered zinc level, problems begin with healing wounds, greater susceptibility to infections, fatigue, acne i hair loss. Since zinc does not accumulate in the body, its supplementation is recommended even for healthy people, and people who require special care for the thyroid gland are recommended to take this element daily.

Vitamin B12

It maintains the circulatory, nervous and digestive systems in good condition. It participates in the formation of DNA and RNA in every cell of the body, and therefore plays an extremely important role in the body. With its shortages, it appears fatigue, problems with concentration, memory gaps, and sometimes tingling in extremities. Studies on the relationship between thyroid dysfunction and vitamin B12 levels have shown that 7–12% of Hashimoto’s patients suffer from vitamin B12 deficiency anemia. The form with the greatest bioavailability to the body is a methylated form of vitamin B12what is worth paying attention to when choosing the right supplement

If you are constantly tired and drowsy, your body may be lacking certain vitamins and nutrients.

Iron

Iron is one of the most important macronutrients for humans because it is part of the hemoglobin that transports oxygen from the lungs to all cells in the body. Its shortage is threatening serious health consequences. Especially women with thyroid disorders should take care of the appropriate level of this element in the body. Iron deficiency reduces the synthesis of thyroid hormones through the reduced conversion of T4 to T3 and contributes to the increased secretion of TSH.

What vitamins and minerals should not be combined with each other?

The basic rule of proper supplementation is: “not all together”As between nutrients, there are various interactions between vitamins and trace elements that can affect digestibility. When vitamins and elements cancel each other out, we speak of antagonisms. The right composition of minerals and vitamins provides synergy of their operation, i.e. it increases the absorption of these compounds from the gastrointestinal tract and the degree of their use by the body. In addition, it is essential for the absorption of the substance chemical form i environment (e.g. fatty) in which it is taken.

Synergies of vitamins and minerals

Vitamins D, E, K + oil

The beneficial interaction between vitamins D, E and K and oils is known. As is well known, these are fat-soluble vitamins and therefore, for better digestibility, they should be delivered in such an environment. In 2019, a study was published comparing the bioavailability of vitamin D from oil and micellised form. Vitamin D on an oil carrier has shown better digestibility.

Vitamin E + antioxidants

The synergy of vitamin E and antioxidants has been confirmed by German researchers. The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between the consumption of vitamins E, C, A or Se and Zn compounds and the level of highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). The results show a significant difference in reducing hs-CRP levels in people taking vitamin E with at least one antioxidant, compared to those taking vitamin E alone.

Antagonisms of vitamins and minerals – avoid these combinations

Selenium + zinc

Cynk and selenium it antagonistic elementsthat mutually cancel each other’s action. Moreover, the first of them should be taken in the evening and the second in the morning. Researchers from the Medical University of Lodz have described the impact of a 90-day supplementation with zinc gluconate and selenium compounds. While the zinc content in the blood was not influenced by the supply of selenium, the inverse relationship was already significant.

Iron + zinc

Iron and zinc compete with each other for bioavailability when given simultaneously. The knowledge on this subject was published in 2015 by EFSA (European Food Safety Agency), confirming that trace metals influence each other’s absorption.

This is one of the examples of vitamin and mineral interactions. You can read more about the correct combination of supplement ingredients in this article.

Summation

Proper diet and well-thought-out supplementation not only support pharmacological treatment, but also improve the nutritional status of the body, which prevents the development of other diseases such as insulin resistance, obesity, diabetes, celiac disease and osteoporosis. Supplementation here cannot be accidental – it should take into account the need for each ingredient, chemical forms and synergies and antagonisms. A good solution will be individual protocols selected by a dietitian or supplementation protocols available on the market dedicated to people with thyroid disorders, such as Thyroset. It’s important to perform before starting supplementation surveyand then repeat them every few months. On their basis, it is possible to correct the supplementation plan and monitor it with a doctor or nutritionist.

Bibliography:

1. Anna Kawicka et al. Metabolic disorders and nutritional status in autoimmune thyroid diseases. Postepy Hig Med Dosw. 2015;69:80-90. DOI: 10.5604/17322693.1136383.
2. Małgorzata Włochal et al. The effects of vitamins and trace minerals on chronic autoimmune thyroiditis. Journal of Medical Science. 2014; 2 (83).
3. SK Naliwajko et al. Minerals in the diet of patients with Hashimoto’s disease. Bromatology and Toxicological Chemistry. 2011; 44: 544-549.
4. Omeljaniuk WJ, Dziemianowicz M., Assessment of nutrition of patients with Hashimoto’s disease, «Bromat. Chem. Toxicol. », – XLIV, 2011, 3, pp. 428-433.

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