Dairy and liothryonine

[owl87]

Does anyone know if liothyronine has a similar four hour away from dairy rule? I take it multiple times a day and every dose is within four hours of a meal and I usually like to eat dairy too. Can this affect absorption or is it just a rule for levothyroxine? I know there isn't much research into liothyronine and can't find anything myself!

[greygoose]

I think this thread might interest you:

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

[owl87 in reply to greygoose]

Very helpful! thank you!

[greygoose in reply to owl87]

You're welcome.

[jimh111]

What four hour rule with dairy? Liothyronine is very well absorbed so it shouldn't be a problem.

[owl87 in reply to jimh111]

Thank you that is reassuring to know! I wasn't sure if there was a four hour rule as it says to avoid calcium rich foods within four hours of taking levothyroxine but I couldn't see anything for liothyronine so wanted to check

[jimh111 in reply to owl87]

I see. High calcium can reduce levothyroxine absorption so it depends on how much dairy and how close to taking the tablets. I take my levothyroxine just before porridge with milk and have never had a problem. We are all different and it may make a difference to someone else. The easiest option is to take your levothyroxine at bedtime assuming you are not having a milky drink then!

[owl87 in reply to jimh111]

Ah thank you that is useful to know! I always take my levothyroxine 4 hours away but it's good to know I don't have to be strict with liothyronine!

[jimh111 in reply to owl87]

There are no studies on how food affects liothyronine absorption but 95% of lio is absorbed v. about 50% levo. So, lio is much less likely to be affected and that has been my experience. Back in the past patients used to take lio with food in the hope it would slow absorption and give more even levels.

[Babette]

I take liothyronine 3 times a day and would struggle to make sure I took it at least 4 hours after food and have nothing but water for an hour after taking it. My endo said one hour either side was fine.

[owl87 in reply to Babette]

Thank you!

[Hidden]

I have to take calcium and vitamin D tablets for osteopenia and have been tying myself in knots trying to leave 4 hours between them and thyroid medication and meals. I take thyroxine when I wake in the night and make sure it’s 4 hours after calcium tablets and 4 hours before. I have to take the calcium twice a day. However I also now take Liothyronine twice a day, supposed to be when I wake up and in the afternoon. Finding it impossible to leave 4 hour gap with calcium. I am now gagging for a cuppa and food but have only just taken my T3.