Question

[ewilma26]

I seen my thyroid doctor today I asked her if I should start selenium and zinc because I'm really hypothyroid and my numbers aren't budging. She told me no not unless it's a very tiny dose in a multivitamin cause it could affect the way the thyroid is being absorbed. Has anyone ever heard of this? Should I start them anyway?

[researcherUK]

Amongst their many other benefits, Zinc and selenium help in the conversion of T4 to T3.

If your levels are low and you need to supplement, you can take them 4 hours away from your thyroid medication.

[greygoose]

Doctors know nothing about nutrients. If you have a question about nutrition, you'd be best asking here.

If your thyroid hormone levels aren't rising, then you need an increase in your dose of thyroid hormone.

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

ewilma26,

The problem with pretty much all supplementation is managing what and how much to take.

Most of us do not have ready access to tests for selenium and zinc (or most other substances!) - so we do not know where we are to begin with. Nor do we know where we end up. Sure, tests are often available, but unlikely to be done on the NHS and can be too expensive for us to get done from our own pocket. (Inevitably private testing is overall more expensive because of all the promotion, extra costs of kits and postage, and profit!)

Excesses of selenium and zinc are not good for us. Though, having inadequate levels is also bad for us.

[Angel_of_the_North]

Doctots don't bet training on nutrition and vitamins, so I would never ask a doctor about taking them. It would be like asking my plumber about electricity. It's important not to take to much selenium but 200 mcg is a good dose for someone with Hashis, esp if it is a natural selenium like Selenomethionine or Selenocysteine. Zinc can help with conversion too.

[Rarararara in reply to Angel_of_the_North]

Definitely dont take too more than the dose recommended for selenomethionine. I was taking 400mcg thinking I was helping my energy but realised after a few weeks of barely being able to open my eyes that it was causing excessive fatigue. Especially if you have a good diet and already consuming it that way.

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to Rarararara]

Rarararara,

A few years ago, everyone was shouting that we should take 400 micrograms of selenium. Most sources now suggest 200 micrograms - and, given we already have some in our diets, I suggest 100 micrograms is likely enough for many.

Glad you identified your cause.

[Rarararara in reply to helvella]

I'm still struggling energy wise but nothing like I was. I think it could depression related so looking for a natural alternative to antidepressants as I won't to compromise my digestive system now that it is finally functioning again.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Ewilma

Don't even consider a multivitamin, they contain too little of anything to help and usually the wrong and least absorbable form of ingredients. If they contain iron nothing else can be absorbed as iron must be taken at least two hours away from any other supplements (and four hours away from thyroid meds). If it continues contains calcium then even the iron can't be absorbed. If it contains iodine or calcium then both of these need testing and found deficient before supplementing.

As others have said, doctors know nothing about nutrients and do more harm than good by suggesting multivitamins.