Can Vitamins and Supplements Help?

Iodine Is Needed to Make Thyroid Hormone

You need an adequate supply of iodine to make thyroid hormones. The recommended minimum iodine intake for most adults is 150 micrograms (mcg) a day, according to the National Institutes of Health’s Office of Dietary Supplements. Good food sources include milk, cheese, poultry, eggs, kelp, and other seaweeds, Kellman says. “But you have to be careful with supplementing iodine because too much can be problematic and actually cause hypothyroidism,” he says.

It’s important to speak with your physicians before consuming any iodine supplements due to the adverse effects it can have on hypothyroidism. A research review found that excessive levels of iodine are unsafe and could result in hypothyroidism and autoimmune thyroiditis, such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

Vitamin B Is Important for Thyroid Function

“Vitamin B is important for people with hypothyroidism because the B vitamins have many interactions with thyroid function and hormone regulation,” Metzak says. It’s best to take a nutritional supplement that includes the entire vitamin B complex, and you may need additional vitamin B12 if a blood test reveals your levels are low, she says. Good food sources of vitamin B include whole grains, legumes, nuts, milk, yogurt, meat, fish, eggs, seeds, and dark leafy greens.

Selenium Is Essential for Thyroid Hormone Metabolism

“Selenium supports efficient thyroid synthesis and metabolism,” says Denise Londergan, RD, MPH, a registered dietitian in Columbus, Ohio. Selenium may also reduce levels of antibodies against thyroid peroxidase (an enzyme that plays an important role in the production of thyroid hormones) in people with hypothyroidism, according to a study. Foods that provide selenium include tuna, shrimp, salmon, sardines, scallops, lamb, chicken, beef, turkey, eggs, and shitake mushrooms. “Or you can take 100 to 200 mcg of selenium in supplement form per day,” Kellman says.

Zinc Helps Synthesize Thyroid Hormone

In addition to selenium, zinc plays a role in the conversion of the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Selenium and zinc are beneficial in improving thyroid function and hormone levels. According to a study, zinc improves T3 levels significantly. Food sources of zinc include shellfish, mollusks, meat, legumes, and nuts. The recommended daily intake of zinc is 8 milligrams (mg) for women and 11 mg for men, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements.

Tyrosine, in Combination With Iodine, Produces Thyroid Hormone

“Tyrosine is a nutrient involved in thyroid hormone production and conversion,” Kellman says. One of the best ways to get more tyrosine, an amino acid, is to make sure you’re getting enough protein, Londergan says. Aim for 10 to 35 percent of your calories from protein each day.

Vitamin D Improves TSH Levels

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is produced by the pituitary gland to support the production of the thyroid hormones T4 and T3, and TSH levels in general are an important indicator of thyroid health. Studies have shown a link between vitamin D and improved TSH levels, with potential benefits for people with hypothyroidism.

Overall, research has shown a strong association with vitamin D deficiency and people with hypothyroidism, Metzak says. In one study, for example, researchers looked at the vitamin D levels of 30 people with hypothyroidism and 30 who didn’t have the condition, and they found that the vitamin D levels were significantly lower in those with hypothyroidism.

Another study reported that vitamin D supplements improved TSH levels in subjects with hypothyroidism as well as thyroid antibodies in people with autoimmune thyroiditis.

You can get vitamin D from fortified milk, yogurt, and orange juice. “Food sources of vitamin D are often not adequate, however,” Kellman says. He recommends supplements for those who are vitamin D-deficient.

There is some debate about the “right” vitamin D levels, as Harvard Health Publishing notes, but most experts advise a goal of at least 30 nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml). Your doctor can let you know if adding vitamin D supplements is necessary, and which dosage is best for you.

As with any chronic condition, a healthy diet can go a long way with hypothyroidism. “Eat an anti-inflammatory diet full of lots of fruits and vegetables and unprocessed foods, and limit sugar,” Londergan says.

Some Supplements Can Affect Thyroid Medication

While there are plenty of vitamins and supplements that can help people with hypothyroidism, there are also some that may interfere with thyroid hormone absorption, which is why it’s important to take thyroid hormone medication on an empty stomach with water.

According to the Mayo Clinic, supplements such as calcium, iron, multivitamins containing iron, and antacids containing magnesium or aluminum can potentially have interactions with thyroid medications. They should be taken several hours before or after your thyroid medication to avoid an interaction. Talk to your doctor before taking any of these supplements.