Iodine

[Hypokid]

Hi everyone

I'm a hashimotos patient currently taking a combo of T4 and T3 medication...with hypo symptoms persisting....was wondering if I should take an Iodine supplement...I've read some practitioners suggest it while others condemn it...would appreciate some input if your happy to share???

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Hypokid

Before anyone considers taking iodine, they should test and only supplement if found to be deficient, and then under the guidance of an experienced practioner.

However, when the patient has Hashimoto's, iodine is contraindicated as it can make things worse.

If you are still symptomatic, what are your latest test results?

How much thyroid replacement hormone are you taking?

Are your nutrient levels optimal:

Vit D - 125nmol/L is recommended by the Vit D Council.

B12 - best near the top of the range, around 1000pg/ml if in the older age group.

Folate - at least half way through range

Ferritin - half way through range.

If all optimal, consider adrenals and do a 24 hour saliva adrenal test which includes both Cortisol and DHEA. Thyroid and adrenals work together.

[greygoose]

It is possible to be hypo due to iodine deficiency, but that's very rare in Europe. But if you're hypo due to Hashi's, it has nothing to do with iodine (and, yes, it can make you a lot worse). Iodine is one of the ingredients of thyroid hormone, not some magical elixia that will make a sick thyroid well again, as some doctors seem to imagine. More is not better with anything, but especially not with iodine. With iodine, more is worse!

And, if you're taking thyroid hormone replacement - levo for example - your thyroid will be making less hormone, so will need less iodine. Plus, if you're taking 100 mcg levo, you will be getting 65 mcg iodine from that, which is recycled. Plus what you get from your food. So, you really don't need to take supplements on top.

[Hypokid]

Thank you for your responses...always find your input really helpful and lifting...will take everything posted into account😀

[jammidodger3]

I have had similar advice about iodine. Maybe the best advice comes from Phillip Day, get an iodine loading test. They are not cheap but will give you a definitive answer.