The thyroid gland is located halfway between the floor of the mouth and the clavicles. The thyroid has two lobes connected through a thyroid band of tissue known as the isthmus. This gland produces the thyroid hormones responsible for many metabolic functions. Some manufacturers of vitamin supplements claim that vitamins can boost the production of thyroid hormones. However, clinical evidence does not support these claims. You should speak to a doctor prior to taking any supplement to stimulate your thyroid.
Boosting the Thyroid Gland
Some multivitamin products claim to modulate metabolic and nutritional disturbances resulting from poor thyroid activity. These multivitamins typically contain B vitamins including B6, B3, B2, B1, B5 and B12; antioxidants; and amino acids, such as tyrosine. Additionally, these multivitamins contain minerals such as copper, zinc, iodine, magnesium, molybdenum, manganese and selenium.
B Vitamins and Thyroid Function
According to "The Women's Guide to Thyroid Health: Comprehensive Solutions for All of Your Thyroid Symptoms," B vitamins can help restore your thyroid function to normal by stimulating your thyroid while providing a boost of energy to your body. Additionally, B vitamins help to relieve the symptoms of hypothyroidism such as fatigue and somnolence. Hypothyroidism is a medical condition where your thyroid gland does not make a sufficient amount of thyroid hormone. This differs from hyperthyroidism, a condition where your thyroid gland produces too much of that hormone. In addition to vitamin supplements, you can find the B vitamins naturally in sea vegetables, whole grains and fresh vegetables.
Tyrosine and Thyroid Function
The thyroid gland produces two hormones known as T3 and T4. Both of these hormones derive from tyrosine, one of the 20 amino acids fundamental to building protein in your body. Adrenal and thyroid glands also depend on tyrosine to produce correspondent hormones. In the book, "The Thyroid Diet: Manage Your Metabolism for Lasting Weight Loss," author and patient advocate Mary J. Shomon recommends kelp to stimulate your thyroid because of this plant's iodine and tyrosine content.
Antioxidants and Thyroid Function
Selenium is an element found in great concentrations in your thyroid gland. Selenium plays a protective role in your thyroid against free radical damage. Additionally, selenium facilitates the production of thyroid hormones and helps your thyroid convert T4 into T3. Manganese is also fundamental in forming an antioxidant system that helps to prevent radicals from damaging your thyroid gland. Although clinical testing is lacking, many medical professionals do condone vitamin supplementation to stimulate your thyroid. However, you should check with your doctor before using vitamins for this purpose.
References
- "Cummings Otolaryngology"; Paul W. Flint MD et al; 2010
- "Thyroid Mind Power"; Richard Shames MD et al; 2011
- "The Thyroid Diet"; Mary J. Shomon; 2004
- "The Women's Guide to Thyroid Health"; Kathryn R. Simpson; 2009
