Fish Oil & Thyroid Function

Fish oil, derived from eating fresh fish or taking supplements, has a range of benefits including protecting your neurological and cardiovascular health. The most notable health effect of fish oil is its role in reducing the risk of heart disease. Ongoing research shows promise that fish oil may also offer protective benefits to your thyroid gland.

Thyroid Function

The thyroid gland, located at the base of your neck below the voicebox, is responsible for the production and secretion of thyroid hormones into your bloodstream. The hormones called tri-iodothyronine, or T3, and thyroxine, or T4, impact virtually every cell in your body and regulate your metabolism. The pituitary gland, located at the base of your brain, controls the amount and location of thyroid hormone produced from the thyroid gland by secreting thyroid-stimulating hormone, or TSH, into the bloodstream, which travels to the thyroid gland. Once TSH reaches the thyroid gland it communicates the precise amount of thyroid hormone needed and signals the gland to secrete hormones to designated locations.

Impaired Thyroid Function

A breakdown in the signaling process from autoimmune disease or inflammatory viral infection can cause miscommunication between the pituitary and thyroid gland, resulting in thyroid disease. Hyperthyroidism occurs when your pituitary gland incorrectly signals your thyroid to overproduce hormones. Symptoms include unexplained weight loss, irritability, heat intolerance and rapid heartbeat. Hypothyroidism has opposite effects and is due to the pituitary gland delaying signals for thyroid hormone release. Symptoms include unexplained weight gain, cold sensitivity, goiter from swollen glands, depression and slow pulse. The primary medical treatment for either condition involves life-long use of hormone replacement or antithyroid medications.

Fish Oil

Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, essential nutrients used in your body to maintain the health of your immune system and decrease inflammation associated with diseases of the heart, arteries or thyroid. Eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, and docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, are two of the primary omega-3 fatty acids obtained from oily fish including salmon, tuna, mackerel and herring. You can also get omega-3 from fish oil supplements. Consult your physician before taking supplements to determine dosing standards for your health condition.

Fish Oil and Thyroid Research

According to a 2001 study published in the "Journal of Endocrinology," the EPA in fish oil affects thyroid function and may prevent hypothyroidism. The study used animal subjects induced with hypothyroidism to examine the impact of orally administered EPA-ethyl ester on slowed thyroid functions. Results at the conclusion of the study indicated positive effects from EPA on thyroid function. The study did not test DHA and its impact on thyroid function. A similar study in 2010 published in the "Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry" found that a diet rich in fish oil enhances thyroid hormone action. Although the study results evidence fish oil's effect on the thyroid, ongoing research is warranted to determine the effect on human thyroid functions.