Hi
I am considering adding a multivit daily.
And there are so many multivits available!
What are the ingredients that hypothyroid people should avoid please?
For example, I understand that selenium and iodine are 2 that are contraindicated
Any others? iron?
Can you recommend a multivit that you take that ticks most of the boxes please?
Thanks
Alps Holiday
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You shouldn't be taking a multivitamin at all, for all sorts of reasons.
* If your multi contains iron, it will block the absorption of all the vitamins - you won't absorb a single one! Iron should be taken at least two hours away from any other supplement except vit C, which is necessary to aid absorption of iron, and protect the stomach.
* If your multi also contains calcium, the iron and calcium will bind together and you won't be able to absorb either of them.
* Multi's often contain things you shouldn't take or don't need : calcium, iodine, copper. These things should be tested before supplementing.
* Multi's often contain the cheapest, least absorbable form of the supplement : magnesium oxide, instead of magnesium citrate or one of the other good forms; cyanocobalamin instead of methylcobalamin; folic acid instead of methylfolate; etc. etc. etc.
* Multi's do not contain enough of anything to help a true deficiency, even if you could absorb them.
* When taking several supplements, you should start them individually at two weekly intervals, not all at once as you would with a multi. Because, if you start them all at once, and something doesn't agree with you, you won't know which one it is and you'll be back to square one.
With a multivitamin, you are just throwing your money down the drain, at best, and doing actual harm at worst. Far better to get tested for vit D, vit B12, folate and ferritin, and build up your supplementation program based on the results. 
Very good advice. Couldn’t have put it better myself.
I’d test the ‘big four’ (B12, D, ferritin and folate) and supplement if any of them are low, otherwise id go for a well balanced healthy diet with some nuts and seeds every day.
Thank you greygoose for very helpful reply
I Shan't take multivits
Alps holiday
You're welcome.
Hi greygoose
Hlabs35 suggests selenium is OK to take with hypo
What do you think?
Thanks
Alps holiday
No reason why you shouldn't take selenium with hypo. It's necessary for conversion. As long as you don't take too much. So, have a little break from it from time to time.
If you have access to a doctor who offers Genova's NutrEval or ION panel, that is the test that has really helped me. Instead of taking a multi blindly, I was able to use the test results to supplement only the nutrients I was low in. I took another test 6 months later and was able to see those low nutrients come up to optimal status. If you have Hashimoto's, you may be low in things like amino acids, that won't even be in a multi.
If you are dead-set on taking a multi, Thorne has one (Basic Nutrients V) that has no iron, no iodine, and all the methylated Bs. The serving suggestion is 6, which would be a LOT. Perhaps start with one!
But it still has calcium, and it's doubtful anyone needs that. And copper at 167% RDA! That's huge. And hypos are normally high in copper, low in zinc. You really do not want all that copper.
It also has vit K1. If you're taking vit D AND calcium, it's K2 that you need, not K1. So, it's really very far from perfect - especially not for a hypo.
That 167% copper is if someone takes 6 of them. If they only take 1-2, then it's a smaller dose. But would still contain some copper. I don't take the vitamin myself, but just was offering an iodine-free multi, as those are hard to find. Taking only 1-2 would make the calcium dose only 2-8%, too.
Just a quick P.S. to GreyGoose's brilliant reply is that I don't believe Selenium is contraindicated in most cases as it supports the immune system and helps with conversion (especially useful if you are on T4 replacement without T3). However, it shouldn't be something taken as part of a multivitamin.
Thanks hlabs35 for selenium tip
Alps holiday
It is definitely possible to get it from diet, especially in Brazil nuts - in fact one can overdose on Selenium if they have a lot of Brazil nuts!
Hi hlabs35
I have just got some Brazil nuts - all the way from Amazon!
Will start on 2 a day from the morning, which is about 60 mcg selenium I believe
Thanks Alps holiday
Brazil nuts only contain selenium if grown in selenium rich soil. If the pack says that there will be some, but as selenium content varies in selenium rich soil you still don't know how much would be in the nuts.
honey-guide.com/2012/11/19/...
This link is very informative, thanks Seaside Susie. Probably best to stick to my supplement then as at least one knows the precise dosage. I take 200 mcg every other day, seems to work ok.
I take vit b12 and only take vit d in the winter months because you should be able to get enough vit d in summer also I take omega 3 and take these in the evening if you are in doubt what to take speak to a pharmacist or Google for results!
Does rather depend how much you go out in the sun whether you're able to get enough vit D in the summer. Some people in very sunny places are still deficient in vit D. As for speaking to a pharmacist, well! What would they know about thyroid? I think one is better asking for advice on here.
Well I guess I am lucky to have a very good pharmacist as they tend to know more about medication than doctors!
Medication, perhaps. Not nutrients, though.
At the risk of being unpopular, I do like taking a multivitamin and after trying many, have had a good experience with Source of Life Gold Liquid Multivitamin with Whole Food Concentrate - Tropical Fruit (30 Fluid Ounces). It does not contain iron. While I tend to have issues with filler ingredients in supplements, this liquid multi has been fine (no issues). Since starting the liquid multi, I’ve had better days with more energy. For me, a bottle lasts about **60 days as I’m not a large person so I take less than the recommended dose.
In addition to the liquid multi, I take a clean, high quality B-complex, buffered ascorbic acid powder (Vit C), liquid Vit D3/K2 (I tend to go deficient in Vit D very easily), pure L-glutamine, and a high-quality probiotic/prebiotic.
**CORRECTED as I take 1/2 the recommended dose so one bottle lasts me 60 days, not 45 as previously stated.
Whilst, in some ways, that's one of the better ones, it's not very well balanced, is it. For some things you you get 1740% RDA, with others you get only 1%. And, if you're also taking a B complex, you will be getting an awful lot of B6, because in the multi it's already 1305% RDA. And, that's the one B vitamin you can over-dose on.
And, then we still have the problem that it contains calcium - 5% - iodine - 100% - and copper - 150%. It's doubtful that you need any of those, but they should be tested before taking, just to make sure.
Calcium: you're already taking vit D, and there's vit D in the multi, which increases absorption of calcium from food. Given that it's rather rare to be deficient in calcium, it's easy to over-dose.
Iodine: not recommended for hypos in excess and you will already be getting some from your thyroid hormone replacement, and from your food.
Copper: hypos are usually high in copper and low in zinc. Taking more copper on top is not a good idea. Excess copper is not a good thing to have.
It may be giving you good energy at the moment, but what about the future? These things mount up.
I understand your concern, greygoose.
However, I have taken the Genova NutrEval test and am following the supplementation recommendations set forth in my results report. I currently only take 1/2 dose daily.
I also took the Genova Genomics test so I know what enzyme deficiencies I have (resulting in impaired methylation) and therefore, need to supplement with a high-quality B-complex as the liquid multi isn't enough.
I also have had bone density scans and need calcium to protect my bones from osteoporosis as I'm already exhibiting signs.
I like that this liquid multi is a whole food based supplement. I've been on it since April 1st and it's working for me.
No, I don't think you do understand my concerns. I think you're ignoring them. But that is your privilege. But, I would just like to say that calcium does not protect bones. Bones need magnesium more than they do calcium. And too much calcium can lead to problems like kidney stones, and even heart attacks. So, you really do need to be very careful with it.
Greygoose, you have very strong opinions, as do I. The difference is I know what nutritional deficiencies and needs I have, what diseases/disorders I'm managing and what my lifestyle needs are. When people like you tell me what I'm doing is wrong or dangerous, I just smile because here I stand, fighting the odds, fit, trim and strong with a full head of long, curly hair and good skin despite 2 autoimmune disorders, hypothyroidism and early menopause. I eat healthy and don't follow any crazy diets and I sleep well. My GP, functional medicine doctor, rheumatologist, gastroenterologist, endocrinologist and GYN are all aware and support my treatment plan.
I don't take supplements willy-nilly. I've been thoroughly tested to get a whole-body picture and I've done the research. Currently, I'm in a good place and doing what is best for ME. I was tired of taking loads and loads of separate supplements (expensive, time consuming to plan out and harsh on my gut) so I searched out the best multi I could find. Right now, this one is it as it is whole food based and has all the "right" forms that my body can absorb. In addition to calcium it does contain magnesium but it's my cardio and strength workouts that I truly feel help to keep my bones strong. My next bone density scan is coming up. I'm hoping things have not progressed but some of it is out of my hands as lupus does what it wants to and it likes to attack just about everything on me.
Interestingly enough, I'm the only one who has actually responded to the OP's original question: "Any ideas as to the best multivitamin to take for Hashimoto's please?" She can take all that's been told to her and make her own decisions. There is no one right path. We are all different with different conditions and needs and must find what works best for us.
Well, good for you. But, I haven't been telling you what to do. Just pointing out pitfalls for other people that might be reading this. And, then, yes, people can make up their own minds and do their own research. And, I did answer the OP's question: as far as I'm concerned, there's no such thing as a good multi for Hashi's. And, if there were, it certainly wouldn't contain iodine. That's my answer and everyone can make what they like of it.
I wish I was standing there with a good head of curly hair like I used to "sigh" :o(
Thanks milk woman for your pointers
Where do you get your various tests done please ?
I now believe that testing before supplementing is the right way to do things
Thanks
Alps Holiday
I got the test kits from my functional medicine doctor. She ordered them and then gave me the name of a nurse who could do the blood draw and package the kits up and send them off. I’m in the US. I did a whole slew of tests - I think 6 in all as I was working with my functional medicine doctor and just decided to go all in in order to get down to the bottom of the best treatment plan for me.
It looks like you can order tests online if you are in Europe.
In the US, I believe you need a doctor to order them.
However, I did find this:
healthremedies.com/genova_d...
The tests are very comprehensive and I found it helpful having a doctor explain the results to me.
Since reading your posts yesterday it has made me think about trying the same thing. I only take Vitamin D spray and selenium so perhaps I should add something else? I was taking iron tablets for my hair because I thought my ferritin might be low but infact it was too high so I have stopped that. Is there anything you have taken that helps your hair look so good? I used to have thick curly hair but since getting this horrible disease my hair keeps shedding about 50 to a 100 hairs a day (yes I count them sad I know).
Lora
Hi Lora7 -
You've actually reminded me of somethng....
For many years I took Natrol Biotin (10,000 mcg + 66mg Calcium daily) - stopped in September 2018, as well as Biosil liquid (Orthosilicic Acid + Choline) - stopped at the end of December 2018. When I ran out of each, I just didn't reorder. I was taking sooooo many supplements and getting really tired of it all. 
I haven't noticed a difference since stopping but you've got me thinking I should order some Biosil. It's a "Collagen Generator" which is essential for strong hair, nails and bones. My current liquid multivitamin does contain Biotin (300 mcg per serving, I take half serving so that's 150 mcg) which is more than enough according to my Genova test results which states I should take 25 mcg daily. Now, 150mcg is a far cry from 10,000 mcg so time will tell if my hair begins to thin/shed.
About the same time I stopped the Biotin/Biosil I started drinking bone broth on a regular basis with Collagen Protein Powder added to it. I also would add Collagen Protein Powder to smoothies. This *could* explain why I haven't noticed a difference in my hair. I also eat a good amount of protein daily in my diet. I've done this for years due to my exercise routine in order to keep my muscles strong.
Aside from all that, I've read that being optimal on thyroid hormones helps, T3 specifically. I'm not sure if that's true, but I have added in T3 to my levo and seem to have been in a good place, replacement-wise for a few good months now (few tweaks during this time).
I apologize for this being all over the place. I guess the true answer to your question is, I haven't consciously done anything for my hair as it hasn't been an issue for me. But looking back, it would seems I have had things in place which, in theory, seem to have helped me prevent that issue.
Thanks for the info I will look into taking something like that and see if it makes a difference to my hair.
Lora
I wish you all the luck! My hair happens to be a prominent feature for me and if it were to go, I would be devastated.
Ironically, my autoimmune conditions have robbed me of my eyelashes but have left my hair alone. I’m light skinned and blonde so the eyelash loss isn’t something people tend to notice but I do miss my lashes. When I want to feel “girly” I put on false eyelashes but I’m learning to accept that this is just the way it is now.
I would gladly trade the hairs that pop up on my upper lip and chin for my eyelashes back! 😜
Just treating with calcium causes brittle bones, not healthy bones. If she had been deficient in calcium before starting taking it, then taking it could have help. But, healthy bones need a range of vitamins and minerals - and hormones - not just calcium. And excess calcium can, as I said, cause a lot of problems.
Probably best to get your vitimins tested before you supplement. I got tested and was found that I was high on iron and did not need but was low on Vit D. I take Selenium, Vit D, Vit C and a good probiotic. You should only take what you actually need.
Good idea Todd
Where do you get your vitamins/minerals tested and for how much please?
Thanks
Alps holiday
I get them tested via Medicheck, they do an ultravit test which costs £99.00. They often do discounts on Thursdays. I have shamed my GP practice into drawing the blood seeing as I have to pay for blood tests, private prescription for NDT and the medication.
Thanks Todd
However, I do medichecks wellman ultravit and thyroid about every 3 months
And they only do iron, tibc, uibc, transferrin saturation, ferritin,magnesium, folate, b12, and d
I would like to get tested for all the items that a multivit usually provides
Thanks
Alps holiday
I recently bought Olly. I was primarily looking for a women's daily without WHEAT.
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