The thyroid gland, located in the neck, produces two hormones, thyroxine and triiodothyronine, necessary for regulating the body's metabolism. Low thyroid function, a medical condition known as hypothyroidism, causes a decrease in the amount of thyroid hormones produced, resulting in symptoms including fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, muscle and joint pain, constipation, depression and slowed heart rate. Although taking vitamin or mineral supplements does not change the level of thyroid hormone, they can help reduce symptoms and support the thyroid. Consult your doctor before taking supplements.
B Vitamins
B vitamins describes a group of vitamins including B-12, B-6, niacin, thiamine, riboflavin and folate. Together the B vitamins support the conversion of food into energy. The body also requires B vitamins for the formation of red blood cells, which carry the oxygen throughout the body. A low thyroid function causes many of the body's functions to slow down. Taking a B vitamin complex supplement, or increasing the consumption of foods rich in B vitamins, helps to boost the metabolism and increases energy, therefore fighting off the fatigue caused by the hypothyroidism. Foods containing significant levels of B vitamins include fish, meat, poultry, eggs, milk, whole grains, beans and some fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes and avocados. Many foods, including breakfast cereals, are fortified with B vitamins.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C supports the immune system, increases the absorption of iron, aids in protein metabolism and acts as an anti-oxidant. An anti-oxidant protects cells from damage caused by free radicals --compounds formed in the body through reactions with oxygen. Research published by Moncayo and associates in the January 25, 2008 issue of "BMC Endocrine Disorders" says that the cells in the thyroid gland are vulnerable to damage because of their exposure to hydrogen peroxide, a substance formed by immune cells to help fight inflammation and infection. Damage to the thyroid cells affects thyroid function and can contribute to a decrease in thyroid hormone production. Increasing your level of vitamin C can therefore help protect thyroid cells, which supports normal thyroid function.
Iodine
The thyroid gland requires iodine, a trace mineral, to produce thyroid hormones. Although rare in the United States and other developed countries, an iodine deficiency can lead to low thyroid function, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Most people take in enough iodine through iodized salt, but supplements are available for those with a deficiency. Taking too much iodine, however, can block the production of thyroid hormones, causing low thyroid function and contributing to other thyroid diseases such as Graves' disease, Hashimoto's disease or thyroid cancer. Therefore, only take iodine supplements under the supervision of a doctor who can monitor iodine and thyroid hormone levels.
References
- National Endocrine and Metabolic Disease Information Service: Hypothyroidism
- "BMC Endocrine Disorders": The role of selenium, vitamin C, and zinc in benign thyroid diseases; Moncayo et. al.; January 25, 2008;
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Hypothyroidism
- MedLinePlus: B Vitamins
- National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin C
