Levothyroxin and spirulina powder after a thyroidectomy

[Rugeorge]

I have had a thyroidectomy and take Levothyroxin. Can I have spirulina in a smoothie a few hours later?

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Rugeorge

Spirulina contains iodine and unless you are iodine deficient we shouldn't take iodine. Levothyroxine contains iodine (not as an ingredient - T4 contains 4 iodine atoms, one iodine atom is released when it's converted to T3). 100 mcg levo contains 65 mcg iodine which is recycled in the body. Then there is whatever you get daily from your diet. Iodine deficiency is uncommon in the UK. But if you want to take a supplement containing iodine then it's best to get tested first with a non-loading iodine test.

Also, you have Hashi's and it's said spirulina can cause "flare ups" of autoimmune conditions.

[Rugeorge in reply to SeasideSusie]

Ok thanks Seaside Susie

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to SeasideSusie]

I think you'll find that whilst some spirulina does contain iodine, some is effectively iodine-free.

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to helvella]

Well I dare say the OP could look for that if she wants to take it

Rugeorge

[Rugeorge in reply to SeasideSusie]

Mine doesn’t say at all, so assume it has. That’s ok, hubby can have that and I will have spinach 😁

[greygoose in reply to Rugeorge]

What's the connection between spirulina and spinach?

[Iamashealthyascanbe]

I emailed my endocrinologist this question last year and she told me not to take it.