Any experiences with spirulina for thyroid?

[Laura221]

Because my TSH is just above the normal range, but my T4 is fine, my GP said to take some spirulina. Does anyone have an experience with his? I read some contradictory stuff on the internet.

[RedApple Administrator]

Laura221, What does your GP think taking spirulina will do for you?

[Laura221 in reply to RedApple]

She think it will take away the suffocating feeling in my throat..

[Clutter]

Laura221,

Spirulina contains iodine which is fine if you are iodine deficient or hyperthyroid but as you are hypothyroid it is likely to make your thyroid dysfunction worse and raise your TSH. Too much iodine can induce autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto's). If your TSH is above range your GP should prescribe Levothyroxine.

livestrong.com/article/4955...

[Laura221 in reply to Clutter]

She won't prescribe me that, because the hypothiroism is still subclinical.

[Clutter in reply to Laura221]

Laura221,

You could point out that subclinical should mean you are without symptoms and as you are symptomatic you would like a trial of Levothyroxine. Ask your GP to test thyroid peroxidase antibodies too. If they are positive hypothyroidism will become worse and Levothyroxine will prevent progression to overt hypothyroidism.

Read Guidelines for the use of thyroid function tests in thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_... and show your GP.

[hachiko in reply to Clutter]

This was good to know. Would you advice against spirulina (&chlorella) if hypothyroid & hashimoto's? I have been taking them every now and then, just because of their over-all health benefits, but had never thought about the hypo-angle.

[Clutter in reply to hachiko]

Hachiko,

I wouldn't take it in case it caused a Hashi flare up.

[hachiko in reply to Clutter]

OK. It's a pity, since otherwise it is such a good stuff.

[Clutter in reply to hachiko]

Hachiko,

No need to stop using it if you feel benefits and haven't had adverse reactions.

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to Clutter]

The iodine content in spirulina is very much discussed and argued about.

On the one hand, some people seem to think of it as a form of seaweed. On the other, it is found in freshwater.

One company says this:

No iodine in our spirulina

Spirulina is not seaweed and therefore doesn’t have any iodine in its natural environment. We replicate these conditions and do not provide any iodine in spirulina’s growth medium, leaving it completely devoid of iodine and therefore perfectly safe for people affected by thyroid conditions.

gourmet-spirulina.co.uk/hea...

However, for each cite that there is no iodine in spirulina (or a particular form of spirulina), you can find a dozen that claim it as a wonderful source of organic iodine. (That is, iodine in compounds classed as organic in the chemical sense.)

If people use spirulina with high content of iodine, which in spirulina cells is in organic form, its fixation is almost 100 percent.

lomari.ch/en/content/7-spir...

I have to say, I am sceptical of it being a good source, but some products might contain rather more than zero. If you want to consume it, I suggest making sure the supplier is absolutely clear about the actual iodine content of their product - whether you want it to be zero or as high as you can find. (Too many suppliers simply quote what someone else has claimed.)

[puncturedbicycle]

Did your gp cite the studies which prove the efficacy of spirulina as a thyroid tonic or substitute for levothyroxine? Or is this about the iodine it contains? That isn't necessarily good for your thyroid.

Have your antibodies been tested? When you say 'just above the normal range' do you mean around 5? It would seem like your gp might be interested in finding out why your tsh is high.

It might be helpful to see your results (incl lab ranges). A trial of levo might be appropriate even if gp is calling this subclinical.

[Laura221 in reply to puncturedbicycle]

TSH 4,5 (0,35-4,5)

T4 18 (9- 20,6)

[RedApple Administrator in reply to Laura221]

I can see why your GP isn't keen to prescribe thyroid hormone. With FT4 that high, taking levothyroxine could quickly take you over the range.

For a clearer picture, you should have tests for FT3 and both types of thyroid antibodies. If your GP won't do these tests, you could consider getting your own test done. Home test kits are available from Blue Horizon and Medichecks More info here thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

[Laura221 in reply to RedApple]

Yeah the values are really weird. I'll wait with taking the spirulina then, until further testing is done.

[rosetrees in reply to Laura221]

Did you have a FT3 test? I'm wondering if you have a conversion problem - ie high FT4 but low FT3. That might explain why your TSH is still high.

If that is the case, then you night need to take T3 not T4. But don't even consider it without testing your FT 3 level first.

[Laura221 in reply to rosetrees]

No, my GP said they never test that..

[rosetrees in reply to Laura221]

Get it done privately then. Without it you are fishing in the dark.

[rosetrees in reply to Laura221]

There has to be a reason for elevated TSH with apparently good levels of FT4. Their job ought to be to find that reason.

[MjM2015]

I take spirulina andnit has done me no harm. Infact my levels haven't been this good in a long time.. just make sure it's of good quality and 100% organic and grown in Europe