The thyroid, a small, butterfly shaped gland in the neck, converts iodine into the two thyroid hormones: thyroxine, also known as T4, and triiodothyronine, known as T3. The thyroid hormones help regulate the function of all cells in the body, making normal thyroid function essential to good health. Thyroid diseases, such as low or high levels of thyroid hormones or thyroid cancer, affect millions of people in the United States. Taking certain vitamin supplements, or eating foods high in those vitamins, can support healthy thyroid function.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, protects cells from the damaging effects of free radicals -- negatively charged atoms formed when oxygen interacts with certain molecules. The immune cells in the body, such as neutrophils, produce H2O2 -- hydrogen peroxide -- to help fight inflammation and infections. Normal chemical reactions in the body displace one of the oxygen molecules, increasing the production of free radicals and the chance of damage to the cells. Because the thyroid gland is exposed to H2O2, it is susceptible to damage, as described by research published by Moncayo and associates in the January 25, 2008 issue of "BMC Endocrine Disorders." This study shows that patients with thyroid diseases often show low levels of vitamin C. Therefore, taking vitamin C supplements can support thyroid function by protecting the thyroid cells from damage. Foods rich in vitamin C include citrus fruits, tomatoes, potatoes, strawberries, broccoli and green peppers.
Vitamin D
The human body gets vitamin D, a fat-soluble vitamin, through exposure to the sun, food sources or supplements. Once vitamin D is ingested, the liver and kidneys convert it into the active form known as calcitriol. In addition to helping the body absorb calcium, therefore supporting the growth and development of bones, vitamin D also regulates nerve, muscle and immune functions. Vitamin D is also important for the production and secretion of some hormones, and may provide protection against certain cancers including breast, colon and prostate cancer. A study conducted by Laney and associates and published in the 2010 issue of the "International Journal of Endocrinology" found that many patients with thyroid nodules or thyroid cancer suffer from a vitamin D deficiency. Although more research is necessary to determine the correlation, increasing the intake of vitamin D can help to support the thyroid function.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E describes a group of fat-soluble compounds that protect cells from damage from free radicals. Because the thyroid tissue gets exposed to H2O2 and can therefore sustain cell damage, vitamin E can protect the thyroid and help support its healthy function. In addition, vitamin E enables the production of deiodinase enzyme. Because the thyroid gland produces more T4 hormone than T3 hormone, yet T3 is more potent, the body converts T4 into T3 with the help of deiodinase enzyme. Increasing the amount of vitamin E therefore supports this conversion.
References
- MedLinePlus: Thyroid Diseases
- The Endocrine Society: Absorption of Thyroid Drug Levothyroxine Improves With Vitamin C
- "BMC Endocrine Disorders": The role of selenium, vitamin C, and zinc in benign thyroid diseases; Moncayo et. al.; January 25, 2008
- National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin D
- "International Journal of Endocrinology": The Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency Is Similar between Thyroid Nodule and Thyroid Cancer Patients; Laney et. al.; 2010
