Hormones produced by the thyroid gland, which include thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), stimulate growth and are essential for normal development of the central nervous system. On top of that, it increases the metabolic rate of all cells in the body. However, the thyroid gland can be underactive in a condition called hypothyroidism, which can produce symptoms such as sleepiness, lethargy and muscle weakness. Evidence suggests that certain supplements and foods can be effective for increasing thyroid function. Consult your health care provider before taking any supplements.
Zinc Supplementation
Zinc supplementation might improve thyroid function, according to researchers from the University of Pennsylvania. In a study, published in the May 2007 issue of the journal "Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism," the researchers examined the effects of zinc supplementation on zinc deficient subjects. Participants received zinc supplementation for two months and were measured for thyroid function before and after treatment. At the end of the study, the researchers observed that the subjects experienced improvements in thyroid hormone output.
Iodine-rich Foods
Increasing iodine consumption might have positive effects on thyroid hormone output, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. Iodine is a crucial component of thyroid hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine and, therefore, is required for proper thyroid function. Iodine-rich foods include iodized salt, cod, shrimp, tuna and eggs.
Vitamin C and Selenium-rich Foods
A team of researchers from the Medical University of Innsbruck in Austria investigated the role of selenium, vitamin C and zinc in thyroid function. Their findings, published in the January 2008 issue of the journal "BMC Endocrine Disorders," concluded that patients with thyroid disease had low levels of both vitamin C and the trace mineral selenium. Vitamin C-rich foods include citrus fruits and bell peppers. Selenium is found in Brazil nuts, walnuts, tuna, swordfish and whole grains foods.
References
- "Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism": Effect of Zinc Supplementation on Thyroid Hormone Function
- Linus Pauling Institute: Iodine
- "BMC Endocrine Disorders": The role of selenium, vitamin C, and zinc in benign thyroid diseases and of selenium in malignant thyroid diseases: Low selenium levels are found in subacute and silent thyroiditis and in papillary and follicular carcinoma
