Supplements : Has anyone heard of this supplement... - Thyroid UK

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jodary profile image
21 Replies

Has anyone heard of this supplement to help convert T4 to T3? Apparently a dr friend of a family member has recommended it but am dubious.

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jodary profile image
jodary
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21 Replies
greygoose profile image
greygoose

Just googled it. If I've found the right one, I wouldn't touch it with a barge pole! Obviously conceived by someone who knows nothing about thyroid:

: it contains iodine - and we all know that's a no-no

: it contains folic acid rather than methylfolate

: it contains both zinc and copper, and anyone who knows anything about thyroid knows that hypos are usually high in one and low in the other and should be tested before supplementing because taking more of the one you're high in is going to make things worse

: contains l-tyrosine - what for? that's not going to help unless you're low in tyrosine, and that is very rare - in any case, that has nothing to do with conversion

: guggle and ashwagandha? Not for everyone, and I've never actually heard anyone say they helped with anything.

This is just a glorified multi. It doesn't demonstrate either knowledge of thyroid or of then individual ingredients and what they do - or don't do. It's just a money-spinner taking advantage of desperate people - another one. And that doctor friend should be ashamed of himself for recommending it. It could do more harm than good.

jodary profile image
jodary in reply togreygoose

Thought as much thanks x

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply tojodary

You're welcome. :)

Leonella profile image
Leonella in reply tojodary

May I ask why the iodine is no no. What’s the harm it cause. Thanks

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply toLeonella

All about iodine:

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

:)

jgelliss profile image
jgelliss in reply togreygoose

Thank you GG for your Great and Mindful reply. There are always new pop up every once in a while that suggest that there are alternatives to thyroid hormones or that there is something Great for those who don't convert T4 to T3.Buyer be warned. There are no short cuts . Just stick to the thyroid hormones that are doing their jobs. I for one I'm so Grateful and appreciative that we have our thyroid hormones in a Bottle. I had TT and I give Thanks Everyday for My Thyroids in a Bottle.

Thank You GG.

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply tojgelliss

You're welcome. :)

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministrator

My sceptical take on such products:

helvella - Thyroid Support Products

A short discussion about the various thyroid support formulas and similar products.

Last updated 04/11/2024

helvella.blogspot.com/p/hel...

jodary profile image
jodary in reply tohelvella

Thank you

jimh111 profile image
jimh111

I'd stay away from any supplement claiming to improve thyroid function or deiodinase, apart from when you have a clear deficiency.

As regards improving T4 to T3 conversion if it works your TSH will nosedive as the pituitary relies on converting T4 to T3.

jodary profile image
jodary in reply tojimh111

Thanks

buggles84 profile image
buggles84

Selenium is what you're looking for.

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministrator in reply tobuggles84

Only if you do not already have enough.

Excess selenium is harmful.

Hence, ideally get tested but, if you don't do that, be very cautious. We only need 70 micrograms a day (typical adult) and we already get at least some in our diets.

Singwell profile image
Singwell in reply tohelvella

I take the recommended dose on my bottle. What would the harmful effects be of overdosing? Mine normal last time checked.

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministrator in reply toSingwell

I find the USA ODS site often a very useful place to look for this type of information.

Health Risks from Excessive Selenium

Chronically high intakes of the organic and inorganic forms of selenium have similar effects. Early indicators of excess intake are a garlic odor in the breath and a metallic taste in the mouth. The most common clinical signs of chronically high selenium intakes, or selenosis, are hair loss and nail brittleness or loss. Other signs and symptoms include skin rash, nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, irritability, and nervous system abnormalities.

As discussed earlier, Brazil nuts contain very high amounts of selenium (68–91 mcg per nut) and could cause selenium toxicity if consumed regularly. Acute selenium toxicity has resulted from the ingestion of misformulated over-the-counter products containing very large amounts of selenium In 2008, for example, 201 people experienced severe adverse reactions from taking a liquid dietary supplement containing 200 times the labeled amount of selenium. Acute selenium toxicity can cause severe gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms; acute respiratory distress syndrome; myocardial infarction; hair loss; muscle tenderness; tremors; lightheadedness; facial flushing; kidney failure; cardiac failure; and, in rare cases, death.

ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/S...

Singwell profile image
Singwell in reply tohelvella

Blimey - powerful stuff then! Definitely no hair loss here. Will check with the other halfbre garlic as we don't use it in cooking at home. He hates it!And thank you - appreciated.

Regenallotment profile image
RegenallotmentAmbassador in reply toSingwell

Hubby had the garlic thing doing supplement roulette without testing (yes he did get a stern telling off) it’s unmistakable and quite revolting.

Singwell profile image
Singwell in reply toRegenallotment

OK. Sounds like I'm in the safety zone then. My other half has a very strong sense of smell.

connyankee profile image
connyankee

Isabella Wentz suggests daily 200 mgs of Selenium for T4 conversion. I've been taking it for years. I take the brand she recommends when the budget allows: Pure Encapsulations. An old naturopath said this, "Take your vitamins in the morning and your minerals at night." I've been following that, too, but I never can feel whether the supplements are working or not. You?

Regenallotment profile image
RegenallotmentAmbassador in reply toconnyankee

Definitely worth having it tested, I am a huge IW fan and did exactly as you did, but GP was worried about toxicity so tested and I was just over range, took 3 months to come down into range. No symptoms at all.

359Jay profile image
359Jay

I don’t know if anyone can suggest anything or advise - I work in Healthcare and I get really upset when I get questions as to whether I have a thyroid disorder - I have overheard some heartless comments GP is plain useless- are there treatments???

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