Supplements

[Spangle15]

Hi

I wondered what are the advised supplements to take when you have thyroid issues, and when to take them?

I’m currently take thyroxine and T3 at 7.30 followed an hour later by HRT.

I’m also taking vitamin D/K2 and a B complex but is there anything else I should take for maximum health?

Thank you.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Spangle15

To know what supplements to take you test Vit D, B12, Folate and Ferritin, those are the core nutrients we should ensure are at optimal levels.

You say you are already taking D3/K2 but are you also taking magnesium as that is an important cofactor when taking D3, it helps the body convert D3 into it's usable form.

What is your current Vit D result and how much D3 are you taking? When taking D3 we should retest twice a year and aim to keep our level within the range recommended by the Vit D Council/Vit D Society which is 100-150nmol/L.

If you post results for all these tests, along with their reference ranges and unit of measurement for Vit D and B12 then we can make suggestions.

Vit C is always a good supplement as it helps support adrenals.

[Spangle15 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Hi Seaside Susie

I believe it was you that kindly advised me when I posted my last blood test results to take vitamin D and the B complex.

The ferritin is low but I have high transferrin saturation and unfortunately no one seems able to help me with that so I’m at a loss.

I’m not taking magnesium or vitamin C so that’s very helpful. Thank you. Do you have a vitamin C you recommend?

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Spangle15]

Spangle15

I successfully raised my ferritin level by eating liver once a week and for me it didn't seem to affect the rest of my iron panel, although of course I can't say it would be the same for everyone.

For Vit C I avoid ascorbic acid form and use Acerola Cherry powder

timehealth.co.uk/product/ac...

I choose this one over their organic one as it has a higher Vit C content at 26% rather than 18% for the organic. One pouch lasts a long time.

For magnesium, you need to choose the form most suitable for your own needs, details in these articles:

naturalnews.com/046401_magn...

drjockers.com/best-magnesiu...

afibbers.org/magnesium.html

[Spangle15 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Hi SeasideSusie

Thank you for all that advice.

I don’t eat meat, I need to investigate further I think but thank you again.

[greygoose]

I’m currently take thyroxine and T3 at 7.30 followed an hour later by HRT.

Does your HRT contain estrogen? If so, you should take it four hours away from thyroid hormone.

If it's just progesterone, it should be taken two hours away.

[Spangle15 in reply to greygoose]

Hi Greygoose

I only started the HRT last week but yes it does contain oestrogen. I’m actually waiting to hear back from the GP about changing my dose time from morning until night as I saw someone mention on this site it can impact thyroxine absorption but I didn’t realise it was a 4 hour wait. So thank you for that. When I was prescribed it, I asked about my thyroid meds and she said it was fine to take it at the same time 🙄

[greygoose in reply to Spangle15]

Oh dear. Such ignorance is frightening. I do hope you will enlighten her.

[Spangle15 in reply to greygoose]

I will ☺️

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Spangle15]

Don’t expect GP is aware of any timings or interactions of levothyroxine

Levothyroxine is an extremely fussy hormone and should always be taken on an empty stomach and then nothing apart from water for at least an hour after

Many people take Levothyroxine soon after waking, but it may be more convenient and perhaps more effective taken at bedtime

verywellhealth.com/best-tim...

No other medication or supplements at same as Levothyroxine, leave at least 2 hour gap.

Some like iron, calcium, magnesium, HRT, omeprazole or vitamin D should be four hours away

(Time gap doesn't apply to Vitamin D mouth spray)

nhs.uk/medicines/levothyrox...

Also note what foods to avoid (eg recommended to avoid calcium rich foods at least four hours from taking Levo)

HRT may still mean you need to increase dose of Levothyroxine

Retesting thyroid levels 6-8 weeks after any significant change

[Spangle15 in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you SlowDragon, ironically I Took my thyroxine at nighttime for 20 years until a nutritionist told me not to.

If I changed it back, I’d have to think about the T3. Do you know by Chen r if the same guidelines apply with taking other things and eating or would have to still wait 4 hours to take HRT and an hour to eat after T3?

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Spangle15]

Personally I don’t think it’s so critical with T3 as it’s absorbed pretty quickly

I take my T3 as split doses 3 x per day

I would avoid as long as possible

[Spangle15 in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you SlowDragon. Is the last sentence missing a word? Should it say food?

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Spangle15]

I meant leave as long as possible gap between food or HRT

[Spangle15 in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you. The gp cane back and said it wouldn’t effect my thyroxine but I’ve told him I’m going to take the HRT at night anyway.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Spangle15]

You will need to retest thyroid levels in 6-8 weeks after starting HRT

nhs.uk/medicines/levothyrox...

Some medicines can interfere with thyroid hormones, so the dose of levothyroxine may need to be changed. They include:

medicines for seizures, carbamazepine and phenytoin

rifampicin

amiodarone

oestrogens - such as in combined contraceptive pills or hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

I doubt GP would know that iron and calcium supplements would significantly affect absorption...or PPI or lactose intolerance etc etc

Or that different brands are not interchangeable

academic.oup.com/edrv/artic...