Do I really have to wait 4 hours until I can have any dairy products? Where does this rule come from?

[thegreenjudy]

Hey guys, I am new here and on a journey to lose weight.

Recently I have joined OurPath, an NHS supported weightloss program which focuses on increasing your protein (as it makes you feel fuller), veg and lowering your carbs (no sugar, small amounts of whole grains). To that end I try to have protein rich dairy in the morning. Now I have come across this 4 hours rule on some sites (by no means all sites). The caffeine rule 1 hour after your meds seems to find general consensus in the medical community but unless you search for it, the 4 hour dairy rule doesn't seem to be very mainstream - it's not even mentioned in the leaflet that comes with your medication. They usually just say 1-2 hours.

I am currently having a protein shake in the morning for convenience (that I make myself) which contains whey and milk - so it contains a decent amount of calcium - 2 hours after I have taken my meds.

Besides, some sites claim you should completely stay away from dairy with hypothyroidism - but those sites are often very much into alternative treatments and not official scientifically based medical sites (well I know they can be wrong too..) so not sure how seriously I should take that.

What is your view on that?

[jimh111]

It's mainly bran and coffee that affects levothyroxine absorption, so leave an hour gap. I have porridge made with milk just a few minutes before my thyroid medicine and have never noticed any difference.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

It's the calcium in the dairy that is the problem as it can mean that your Levo wont be absorbed properly.

I take my Levo usually between about 3 and 6am when I need the bathroom, and I have cereal with milk usually about 10am.

I don't know how much milk you would need to consume to give you enough calcium to stop the Levo being absorbed. However, if you regularly have dairy close to taking your Levo and absorption is being affected, then your dose of Levo probably already reflects this.

[Marz]

They are not rules ! - mostly suggestions and experiences. Worth remembering that people come here because they are still unwell with poor results for thyroid and vitamins and minerals. So sometimes worth adhering to suggestions to help improve things .

[thegreenjudy in reply to Marz]

I only say "rules" because some people said that their Endo said to wait 4 hours. I will keep observing it and see what happens. I don't have this every morning though anyway. So might not cause huge issues.

[thegreenjudy]

but that is exactly my question - where does that come from because it doesnt say anything to that effect on the leaflet that comes with the meds. They say to wait 1-2 hrs with food , caffeine and supplements. Also, because milk contains calcium, how much is too much?

[greygoose in reply to thegreenjudy]

It comes from the fact that calcium binds to thyroid hormone and stops you absorbing it.

[thegreenjudy]

Yes it mentions the calcium, I am aware of that. It's the 4 hour time window that I am wondering about. Interestingly enough the leaflet does not mention dairy or coffee either. I just checked and the calcium in the whey powder and the milk comes to about 400 mg - a tablet has 600 mg. So it's not too far off. I just want to make sure I am on the safe side waiting 2 hours rather than 4.

[wellness1]

I empathise with you. I am making a concerted effort to get more calcium into my diet and it has to be spread over the day. No problem with morning dose (I take it very early), but the midday dose is really challenging for me. However, if you are taking Levo only, all in one go, could you take your Levo at night before bed? (assuming you don't have a cheese plate within 4 hours of your bedtime ;)) Many members here do. Then you could have your protein shake and tea or coffee anytime.

[thegreenjudy]

Hey Scrumbler, sorry about the late reply I just had no opportunity to respond yet.

Thank you I wasn't aware that my responses sounded terse, apologies! I just felt that my question was not properly read by some and I struggled to make myself understood. I am fully aware why calcium should not be mixed with thyroxine and that milk counts as food (I think some mentioned that in their reply and I was a bit puzzled by their response). I was purely curious about the whole 4 hour time frame which some Endo's (but not all) seem to endorse for dairy especially (not just any food) or any other food that contains calcium.

So I guess the bottom line is, experiment with the time frame and don't take the 4 hour statement as a gospel - unless you notice that it interferes with your medication which I guess can only be determined after having your blood tests done after a few month? I am relieved to hear it works for you.

And thanks again for all your responses!