I'm looking for some info on NDT

[Jane104]

Can anyone point me to a study or lab results that shows the consistency of Natural Desiccated Thyroid? A common reason for not prescribing it is that the dose is not consistent, I want to show that this is not the case.

I have seen one report that dates back to the 1980s. Does anyone know of anything more recent?

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

You could have a look at this link:

fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/Enfo...

Although that dates from 2005, you will probably find that site a goldmine of USA recall data.

You could also look at RLC's Nature-Throid site - and their proud claim never to have undergone a recall.

My personal view is that the potency of desiccated thyroid has almost certainly improved considerably over the years. After all, back in the early part of the 20th century, they did not have adequate analytical tools. Potency was originally assessed on the basis of iodine content measured by an analytical chemist in a 'real' lab. So actual potency really did vary quite considerably.

We now have tools which, at least in relative terms, are push-button and they accurately measure both T4 and T3 content. Work has been undertaken to check for consistent potency through to expiry, on the effects of various excipients, etc.

Given that we have had repeated issues with levothyroxine products (Teva in the UK and now Levoxyl in the USA being amongst the biggest ones), it is very hard to see how someone can really point their finger at prescription desiccated thyroid products and say they are any less consistent!

Rod

[Jane104 in reply to helvella]

Thanks Rod, that is kind of what I was thinking about the potency etc - I just need some hard evidence. I saw the NatureThroid claim but I don't think that's enough!

I'll have a trawl through the FDA stuff, thanks.