Liothyronine/T3 Interactions?

[Fmljkl]

Is it OK to take liothyronine WITH food? I cannot find any definitive info online regarding t3 interactions. I’m wondering if I’m wasting my time taking it with coffee, milk and a protein drink that has lots of vitamins in it. If so, how long do I need to space it out from food and drink? Please help!

[RedApple Administrator]

I don't think there's enough evidence to say defintely one way or the other. I've seen the odd claim that it can be taken with food, but I've never been convinced, nor have I tried it myself. Most people take it away from food, in the same way as levo.

[helvella Administrator]

Much of the information that has been published simply assumes that liothyronine is like levothyroxine - therefore it needs to have the same time gaps, interacts in the same way with the same things, etc.

However, last time I looked - some time ago now, I couldn't find any research specifically on liothyronine. But it is quite clear that assumptions are unacceptable.

My suspicions are that it is not as susceptible to issues with most foods, drinks, supplements and other medicines. But that shouldn't be taken as it being OK taken anyhow and with anything. And it just might have some specific interactions which really do need to be taken into account - when we eventually identify them!

[Jaydee1507 Administrator]

It used to be recommended to take T3 with food to slow its action down a little in the early stages of taking it inparticular.

I've seen many members here put off splitting their T3 dose to avoid food interactions, and its a great shame as if you always do something similar every day then your results will show if you need more or less.

As far as I am aware its not as fussy as levo. It may make a difference if you take it on an empty stomach an hour before anything other than water, but later in the day this becomes quite difficult to maintain on a daily basis.

Try taking it in different ways and find out what works for you.

[jimh111]

It's much better absorbed than levothyroxine. I think its OK with food but not sure about coffee, so I would avoid taking it with coffee.

[Zephyrbear in reply to jimh111]

I’ve washed mine down with coffee before now without any detriment to its effectiveness.

[Topes009]

This is interesting! I assumed it was to be taken similarly to Levo and it has been a real pain! Thanks for posting this and all the replies, this site is so helpful.

[Murphysmum]

I used to religiously leave an hour between my T3 dose (split twice so breakfast time and tea time), but these days not so much.

If I can leave at least half an hour I will, but particularly at tea time there won’t be a gap - it’ll be either just before or just after mostly.

I haven’t noticed any difference at all.

What is different than levo, is the interaction with other supplements. With levo you maybe didn’t notice anything, or it took months before you thought maybe your thyroid was a bit sluggish, but with T3 it’s almost instant.

Obvs this is because of the different half lives, but I have noted where you could get away with trialling something while on levo, you absolutely can’t with T3. Just for future reference!

[Lily905]

I never take my T3 with food. I take my full dose first thing in the morning with two coffees. Some people say coffee messes up T3, but I've always been ok. I don't eat till lunchtime. My NDT does not work with food or drink - it's best if I take my NDT 3 hours before or after food.

[Mobilepirate in reply to Lily905]

Hey Lily905, you take your T3 Just once a day ? How many doses of NDT you take a day ? Thx

[Lily905 in reply to Mobilepirate]

My Px for T3 is 20mcg three times a day. Which I used to take all at the same time first thing in the morning with 2 mugs of coffee & no food. The menopause changed my system & now I feel better on one T3 20mcg am & 3 NDT at night three hours after my last coffee & food.

[goatheard]

I've taken my lio with food or without, separate from levo, for 35 years. Not a problem.

[Poniesrfun]

it’s the milk that might cause a problem. Milk has calcium which can bind with the lio (or any other med you might be taking). Iron is another culprit which keeps many meds from being absorbed. Coffee can speed up gut transit which can mean less time for absorption while fiber will slow transit which migh allow slower but more complete absorption (which can be helpful for some).

T3 is mostly absorbed on an empty stomach in 30 minutes or so. If you take it as you roll out of bed, by the time you get to your coffee you might be good.

Patti in AZ

[Lily905 in reply to Poniesrfun]

I take my Calcium tablets in the middle of the day because they mess up my T3 & NDT absorption

[Poniesrfun in reply to Lily905]

it can get challenging to keep thyroid meds and calcium separate. Something non-dairy, like almond or oat milk, can work as a substitute for regular milk as long as it is labeled “no calcium added”.

[Lily905 in reply to Poniesrfun]

we are all different with what works with our thyroid Px & what does not. I've tried all of the milk substitutes in the past & I don't like any. For decades I drank only skimmed milk. Now I feel better & drink coffee with a mix of whole & skimmed milk. Menopause completely changed my system of how I absorb thyroid medication & what I like to eat & drink