converting T4 to T3

[Whale880]

looking for suggestions on foods and supplements that aid in the conversion of T4 to T3 for weight management

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Whale880

Optimal nutrient levels help thyroid hormone to work properly so have you checked those, particularly Ferritin? Recommended levels are

Vit D - 40-60ng/ml (100-150nmol/L)

B12 - top of range

Folate - at least half way through range

Ferritin - half way through range although some experts say that the optimal level for thyroid function is 90-110ug/L

Selenium is said to aid conversion of T4 to T3 - be careful of which form and the amount. Selenium l-selenomethionine are the better forms, avoid selenite and selenate forms. 100-200mcg daily, but some people prefer to test their selenium level first.

You can get selenium from Brazil nuts as long as the packaging says "Grown in selenium rich soil" and states the amount of selenium, otherwise you wont know if you're getting any or what amount.

[Whale880 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thank you so very much for this information, particularly Ferritin. I will some research on this and your other recommendations !

[jimh111]

Selenium deficiency will impair conversion and show up as normal fT4 with an elevated TSH. Indeed any putative deficiency that impaired conversion would cause an elevated TSH as the pituitary would fail to convert T4 to T3. In general you can’t improve conversion with diet provided you are eating a normal amount of food and not on a strict weight loss diet.