Thyroid health can be influenced by several dietary supplements, mainly focusing on essential trace elements that support thyroid function. Two of the key supplements frequently discussed are selenium and iodine:

1. Selenium:

   • Selenium is found in high concentrations in the thyroid gland and plays a crucial role in the synthesis and metabolism of thyroid hormones. Selenium-dependent enzymes are responsible for converting the prohormone T4 to the active T3 hormone¹.
   • Studies have indicated that low selenium status is associated with an increased risk of thyroid disease, particularly in women¹². However, randomized trials have shown mixed results regarding selenium supplementation and thyroid function¹.
   • It is also noted that selenium supplementation might benefit individuals with autoimmune thyroiditis by reducing antithyroperoxidase antibody levels and improving thyroid ultrasound features and quality of life³⁴.

2. Iodine:

   • Iodine is an essential component of the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3)⁵. Adequate iodine intake is critical for thyroid function, and deficiencies can lead to conditions like goiter and hypothyroidism⁶.
   • Most dietary iodine comes from iodized salt, but it can also be found in certain foods and supplements⁶⁷. It is essential for pregnant women to have adequate iodine intake due to increased thyroid demands during pregnancy⁸.

In addition to selenium and iodine, there are other supplements and nutraceuticals that have been studied for their potential roles in thyroid health:

• Vitamin D: There is some evidence suggesting that Vitamin D supplementation could influence thyroid function in hypothyroid patients⁹. However, more research is needed to draw definitive conclusions.
• L-Carnitine, Myo-Inositol, Melatonin, and Resveratrol: These have antioxidant properties and might benefit thyroid health, although clinical data supporting their efficacy is limited⁴.

If you are considering any supplements for thyroid health, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional who can provide personalized advice based on your specific health needs and conditions.

Footnotes

1. "Office of Dietary Supplements - Selenium," NIH, 2024. ↩ ↩² ↩³

2. Anna Ziganshina, "PSAT322 A ‘Natural Thyroid Booster’ Induced Hyperthyroidism," PMC, 2022. ↩

3. Mara Ventura, "Selenium and Thyroid Disease: From Pathophysiology to Treatment," PMC, 2017. ↩

4. Salvatore Benvenga, "Nutraceutical Supplements in the Thyroid Setting: Health Benefits beyond Basic Nutrition," PMC, 2019. ↩ ↩²

5. "Office of Dietary Supplements - Iodine," NIH, 2024. ↩

6. Vittorio Unfer, "Editorial: Dietary supplements for preserving thyroid health: the scientific evidence-based view," PMC, 2023. ↩ ↩²

7. Salvatore Benvenga, "Nutraceutical Supplements in the Thyroid Setting: Health Benefits beyond Basic Nutrition," PMC, 2019. ↩

8. Vittorio Unfer, "Editorial: Dietary supplements for preserving thyroid health: the scientific evidence-based view," PMC, 2023. ↩

9. Afsaneh Talaei, "The Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on Thyroid Function in Hypothyroid Patients: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial," PMC, 2018. ↩