Iodine
In the past, iodine
deficiency was the main cause of
hypothyroidism, Iodine is necessary
for the production of thyroid hormones.
It is chemically bound to
a specific amino acid responsible
for the formation of the base
structures for both T4 and T3. A
deficiency in iodine causes a
deficiency in thyroid hormone
production, which often results in
the development of hypothyroidism.
Supplemental iodine is beneficial for
patients with hypothyroidism.
It may boost the production of
thyroid hormones by
providing more base materials.
Selenium
Selenium is the
main co-factor for the enzyme
responsible for the conversion of
T4 to T3 in the peripheral tissues
of the liver, kidney, and skeletal
muscle. This conversion accounts for the
majority of the metabolism
concerning T4. A deficiency in Selenium results
in decreased levels of T3 in the
blood, with normal to high levels
of T4. However, there is
usually enough of a
disruption from normal homeostasis
to cause hypothyroidism.
In one study of
children who exhibited
symptoms of hypothyroidism, a
deficiency of selenium was
recognized. After Selenium supplementation, hormone levels returned to normal
and symptoms disappeared. [8]
Another study found that a low
T3/T4 ratio in healthy elderly
subjects could be corrected by
supplementation with selenium. [9]
Zinc
The exact role of
zinc in thyroid hormone metabolism
is not completely understood,
though it is viewed as a necessary
component for proper thyroid function. Zinc
deficiency has been shown to cause
a decrease in T3, unrelated to
thyroid production, and also a
decrease in the conversion
of T4 to T3. Zinc does not affect
the levels of T4.
In one particular study,
Zinc supplementation for 12 months
caused T3 levels in the blood to
normalize in all participants, 75% of whom were found
to be deficient in zinc. [10]
Copper
Copper metabolism
in the body is directly linked to
zinc status. Supplementation with
zinc can result in a copper
deficiency, which can be
dangerous. Therefore, when taking
larger doses of zinc,
supplementation with copper is
also recommended.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is
necessary for DNA and RNA
synthesis, hormone synthesis,
homocysteine metabolism, and is
involved in function of the
nervous system. Although the exact role of
Vitamin B12 in thyroid hormone
metabolism is not fully understood,
it is believed to play a
role in peripheral metabolism of
T4 to T3. [11] Homocysteine is elevated in
individuals with hypothyroidism. [12] Another study found that not only
homocysteine elevation was
paralleled to a decrease in
vitamin B12 in individuals
suffering from hypothyroidism. [13]
Folic Acid and
Vitamin B6
Folic acid and B6
are also involved in homocysteine
metabolism with Vitamin B12. To
correct the increase homocysteine
levels found in hypothyroid
patients, the supplementation with all
major nutrients is often needed. A deficiency
of folic acid in individuals with
hypothyroidism has also been
reported in the literature of past
study. [14]
DHEA
DHEA is a steroid
hormone precursor that is produced
by the body. It has been found to potentiate the thyroid hormone
activity in certain individuals. [15]
DHEA blood levels are decreased in patients with
hypothyroidism. [16]
Although the exact relationship between DHEA
and thyroid hormones is not
completely understood, DHEA
remains a legitimate treatment
option for those with
hypothyroidism.
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