Minerals and Supplements for Hashimoto's Disease
Nutritional Help for Autoimmune Thyroiditis
Mar 11, 2009
The most important mineral supplements for anyone with Hashimoto's disease are listed below. A good multi-mineral supplement is likely to include all of these elements, but you may need to supplement some individually to correct particular deficiencies. (See also Vitamins and Hashimoto’s Disease)
Selenium
This is the key supplement for anyone with Hashimoto’s disease. Research suggests that selenium deficiency may play a significant part in the development of the disease, and that supplementation with selenium can significantly reduce the level of autoimmune anti-bodies – sometimes to a normal level within three months. (1)
It has also been found to improve the inflammatory activity in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis, and it activates an enzyme that is responsible for the conversion of T4 (inactive thryoxine) to T3 (the active form that releases energy into the cells and body). This means that Levothyroxine treatment will not work correctly in anyone who is deficient in selenium.
Recommended supplementation is 200mcg per day; note that this dose should not be exceeded, as selenium is toxic at fairly low levels (over 400mcg/day).
Fish Oils
FIsh oils exert a powerful anti-inflammatory effect, and even more importantly have been found to help normalize the metabolic environment.(2) They have been found to lessen symptoms and slow the progress of several autoimmune diseases.(3) Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) extracted from fish oil may be as effective as some prescription medications in reducing inflammation.
Zinc
Zinc is necessary for proper hypothalamic functioning, which is part of the thyroid “loop” – the thyroid works in conjunction with the hypothalamus and pituitary gland to regulate the metabolic system. It is needed by the thyroid for hormone production and for T4–T3 conversion (converting from the inactive to active form of the hormone). Zinc should always be balanced out with a small amount of copper. In tests, many people with a hypothyroid condition have been found to have lower plasma zinc levels.(4)
Iron
Some people with Hashimoto’s are low in iron. This can be a simple deficiency, or it may be due to pernicious anaemia, which often exists alongside Hashimoto’s. Any anaemia needs to be treated with controlled amounts of B12, under the supervision of a physician. Anyone taking Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Unithroid, etc.) for Hashimoto’s needs to be aware that iron supplementation interferes with absorption of thyroxine; the two substances must be taken at least six hours apart.
Calcium
Calcium interferes with the absorption of Levothyroxine (even in the form of milk), so the drug should be taken one hour before or at least four hours after any calcium intake. Supplements may be unnecessary, because studies have shown that people with this form of autoimmune thyroiditis do not demonstrate deviations in serum calcium and calcitonin levels during the calcium tolerance test.(5) However, magnesium works in balance with calcium, and many people with Hashimoto’s take magnesium supplements to help with cramps. It also plays a role with magnesium in controlling heart rate.
Magnesium
This essential mineral is often deficient in thyroid patients. It helps to maintain normal muscle and nerve function, keeps heart rhythm steady and bones strong, and is involved in energy metabolism. It is the “soothing mineral”, which wards off cramps. Like calcium, it plays a role in controlling the heart rate.
Essential Fatty Acids
A blend of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can help hair (which often thins with Hashimoto’s), skin (which can become very dry), joints (which may ache), and cholesterol levels (Hashimoto’s patients have raised levels of LDL cholesterol – the "bad" cholesterol). These fatty acids need to be kept in balance: an elevated omega-6 to omega-3 essential fatty acid (EFA) ratio in the diet has been suggested as a possible mechanism in the onset of autoimmune disease.
Evening Primrose Oil (EPO)
This oil is useful in cases of hair loss, which can accompany any form of hypothyroid condition. Hashimoto’s is noted for causing the onset of alopecia areata in unpredictable bouts (6). EPO seems to lessen the hair loss, and has even been recorded as stopping it altogether and encouraging new growth within around three months.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
Hashimoto’s increases the risk of heart disease, and CoQ10 is excellent for heart health. It has a proven antioxidant activity within the mitochondria and cellular membrane, and is also good for boosting energy levels.
Read More:
Iodine and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
References
1 Findings reported by Munich, Germany physician Barbara Gasnier, of the Medizinische Klinik University at the 83rd Annual Meeting of the Endocrine Society in Denver, Colorado, 2008.
2 J Am Coll Nutr 2002 Dec;21(6):495-505. See also The Autoimmune Report by Mary Shomon, First Quarter, 2003.
3 “Herb, nutrient, and drug interactions: Clinical Impliactions and Therapeutic Strategies”, by Mitchell Bebel Stargrove, Jonathan Treasure, Dwight L. McKee; Mosby, 2008.
4 “Alterations in magnesium and zinc metabolism in thyroid disease”; Dolev E, Deuster PA, Solomon B, Trostmann UH, Wartofsky L, Burman KD. Department of Military Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Bethesda, MD 20814-4799.
5 “The calcium tolerance test in thyrotoxicosis, Hashimoto's thyroiditis and after total thyroidectomy”; Blahos J; Adam M; Hulejová H; Spacek P; Vnitrní lékarství 1996;42(9):597-601.
6 “Primary Care Medicine” by Allan H. Goroll, Albert G. Mulley, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; Fifth Edition edition (August 1, 2005), p.1178.
