5 Supplements That Support Thyroid Health

Iodine

Iodine is a crucial mineral for thyroid health, responsible for producing the hormones that regulate the body’s metabolism. Since iodine is primarily obtained in seafood, dairy products, eggs, and iodized salt, an iodine deficiency is common in parts of the world where dietary sources of iodine are limited and can lead to an enlarged thyroid (goiter), fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, and hair loss.

Supplements are available if you need more throughout your diet, but they are only effective when hypothyroidism is caused by an iodine deficiency.

B Complex Vitamins

The B family of vitamins can help support thyroid function, while deficiencies can decrease hormone production, energy levels, and metabolism. Many of these vitamins are plentiful in food sources like eggs, fish, leafy greens, legumes, and dairy products.

Selenium

Selenium is a critical trace mineral imperative to thyroid health by converting the inactive form of thyroid hormone (T4) into the active form (T3), which regulates metabolism.¹ Low selenium levels can contribute to hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid).

Zinc

Zinc is an essential mineral for thyroid health and is also vital for regulating hormones.² Zinc helps enhance the immune system and assists thyroid hormone production. Regarding thyroid health, zinc deficiency can cause hypothyroidism and reduce the production of TSH, the hormone that regulates metabolism. Zinc-rich foods include oysters, crab, beef, pumpkin, and sesame seeds.

Tyrosine

Tyrosine is an amino acid essential to thyroid health, supporting the creation of hormones that the body uses to regulate metabolism and other body functions. Without enough tyrosine, the body cannot produce enough thyroid hormones, leading to fatigue and other symptoms of hypothyroidism.

Tyrosine is found naturally in certain foods, such as eggs, fish, dairy products, nuts, and seeds, and as a supplement in pill form.

Oral Supplements vs. IV Infusions

There are two primary ways to ensure adequate vitamin and mineral intake: oral supplements or intravenous (IV) treatments. Oral supplements come in pills, liquids, or chewable tablets without a doctor’s supervision. IV treatments, on the other hand, are administered directly into the bloodstream via an IV line at a doctor’s office or hospital.

IV treatments are more effective at restoring low vitamin levels because the digestive system breaks down oral supplements before they reach the bloodstream, reducing their efficacy. By bypassing the digestive system, IV treatments deliver nutrients directly to the bloodstream, allowing them to be absorbed more quickly and efficiently.

The other advantage of IV treatments is that they can meet specific needs. Doctors can adjust the dose, type, and concentration of vitamins and minerals to ensure optimal absorption and results. With oral supplements, it can be challenging to determine precisely how much of each nutrient you are getting, as some need to be fully absorbed by the body and excreted in the urine.