Hi
A quick summary, I had a partial thyroidectomy 20+ years ago. Currently take T4 and T3. But I also have to take calcium because of low blood levels. I take seaweed calcium because I’ve read it’s better for bones (I have low bone density), but I’ve just noticed it contains iodine. And I’ve seen recently on another post here something about not taking iodine. Would someone mind clarifying for me?
Thank you.
Spangle15,
Yes, our thyroid hormone meds contain iodine and the extra we gain from our diet is supposed to then be an adequate amount.
You will need to get another calcium supplement. Many come in combos and it's important to use calcium with Vitamin D which helps your body absorb and use the calcium correctly.
Having thyroid hormones and all nutrients optimal will also encourage improved bone health.
There is a section in my Vade Mecum which identifies how much iodine is in levothyroxine and liothyronine.
You can use that to estimate the maximum possible iodine that you could get from thyroid hormone medicines. Then check your diet, including supplements, so far as possible.
It isn't that we should universally avoid all iodine. Just that we need to think carefully about how much we are consuming.
helvella - Vade Mecum for Thyroid
The term vade mecum means:
1. A referential book such as a handbook or manual.
2. A useful object, constantly carried on one’s person.
Please don't get put off by the number of pages!
Not everything is in this one document - my major medicines document is still separate!
From Dropbox:
dropbox.com/s/vp5ct1cwc03bl...
From Google Drive:
How is your vit D level? Vit D and magnesium are far more important for bones than calcium.
Taking vit D increases our absorption of calcium from food, so we should take vit K2-MK7 with it to make sure the extra calcium goes into the teeth and bones, rather than building up in the soft tissues and arteries. It is K2 that helps the body absorb calcium and use it correctly, not the vit D itself.
And, when taking vit D, you need to take magnesium because they work together. So, by just taking those three nutrients - vit D, vit K2-MK7, magnesium - you have most of what you need for strong bones, rather than taking calcium supplements, which are very badly absorbed. If you look on my profile, you will find a couple of articles I've posted about calcium supplements, and why it's not good to take them. 
Thanks greygoose. I take Vit D and K2 . My current levels are 111, I can’t remember the bottom of the range but it’s standard for UK. I’m currently taking it twice a week because the top of the range is 120. I’m taking calcium because my blood level keeps dropping below range and it sends my pth (parathyroid) over range when it drops. I need to take magnesium but I keep stopping because I have my suspicions it decreases my calcium absorption and is the root cause of why my blood calcium levels are below range. I think perhaps I need to take cal/mag in the right proportion to stop this happening. It’s a minefield for me.
Actually, it sounds like you have a parathyroid problem, which is causing your calcium to drop, rather than the other way round. But, I don't know much about that.
I don't think that magnesium would decrease your absorption of calcium. But, just to be sure, make certain you don't take them together, but leave a couple of hours between taking them. But, vit D won't do much for you unless you take magnesium with it.
I did have two parathyroid tumours. And when my calcium drops, the pth increases to try and increase calcium.
I didn’t know that about vitamin D and magnesium. Thank you so much for sharing that.
Iodine
iodine
Iodine Patch Test
Iodine
Iodine
