According to the National Institutes of Health, millions of people in the U.S. have a thyroid disorder. If you have a thyroid disorder, your body uses energy either slower or faster than it normally would. A slow thyroid may lead to weight gain and fatigue. An overactive thyroid may make you lose weight or speed up your heart rate. Certain vitamin deficiencies may occur with thyroid disorders and must be addressed.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential for the body to digest and use calcium and phosphorus efficiently. This is important to allow the formation and function of normal bone and tooth structures. According to Medical News Today, people with hypothyroidism may experience low levels of vitamin D and this may contribute to bone problems. Medical News Today states that low vitamin D levels may occur in people with hypothyroidism due to impaired absorption of vitamin D from the intestine. Thyroid hormones and vitamin D bind to similar receptors in the body. A specific gene in the vitamin D receptor may lead people to develop certain autoimmune thyroid disorders including Graves' disease and Hashimoto's thyroiditis. It is important to consume sufficient vitamin D through sunlight exposure or fortified foods. Good dietary sources of fortified foods with vitamin D include milk and breads.
Thiamine
Thiamine, also known as vitamin B1, is essential for proper metabolism of carbohydrates and for normal heart and nerve function. According to the Mayo Clinic, a thiamine deficiency may result from conditions in which the body requires increased thiamine, including thyroid disorders. Thyroid disorders cause a disruption to the body's metabolism and therefore more thiamine is needed to aid in proper metabolism functioning. This can lead to a reduced level of thiamine in the body. Good sources of thiamine include whole grains, wheat germ, beans and pork.
Vitamin A
According to the National Institutes of Health, vitamin A is important in the production of thyroid hormones. Thyroid disorders may lead to increased requirements of this vitamin since hormone production and functioning are impaired. Therefore, deficiencies of vitamin A may result. To increase intake of this vitamin, supplements can be taken. Good food sources of vitamin A include carrots, sweet potatoes and squash.
