Supplements

Natural Supplements
Natural supplements for thyroid problems include vitamin A; vitamin B complex; B12; and the vitamins C, and E; as well as coenzyme Q10; and especially the minerals magnesium, manganese, selenium, and zinc. Deficiencies of any of these minerals can prevent the conversion of T4 to T3 and should be corrected. Sufficient protein iodine and especially the amino acid tyrosine are necessary to make T4 in the thyroid gland. Treatment of autoimmune hypothyroidism (Hashimoto's) and euthyroid sick syndrome is based upon the underlying disorder (refer to Autoimmune, Arthritis, and other relevant protocols for more information).
Melatonin 300 mcg-6 mg at bedtime	Vitamin C Helps to promote normal thyroid hormone production.
Iodine Thyroid hormones are made by adding iodine molecules. Hence, a dietary deficiency of iodine can be a cause of hypothyroidism. Iodine is found in kelp and other seaweeds and seafood. It is also available in iodized salt. Those who suffer from autoimmune thyroid disease, such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis or Graves' disease, may want to avoid taking extra iodine because this disorder is not due to iodine deficiency and will not be of much help. For some it may irritate the thyroid and make matters worse. Excess iodine can actually inhibit thyroid function, so combined dietary and supplemental levels should not exceed 600mcg per day.
Tyrosine Tyrosine is a precursor of thyroid hormone and the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. A deficiency of tyrosine leads to hypothyroidism and low adrenal function. The recommended daily amount of tyrosine is about 1 gram per day for adults (Marz 1997). If you are taking prescription thyroid hormone medication, it is important not to take L-tyrosine without direction from your doctor. Do not take L-tyrosine if you have high blood pressure.
CoQ10 Multi vitamn - vitamin A, vitamin B complex, magnesium, manganese, selenium, and zinc, to be taken as directed 100-200 mg daily	Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) DHEA, a hormone that enhances the body's metabolic functioning, may also be deficient in individuals with hypothyroidism (Tagawa et al. 2000). A DHEA blood test should be administered to achieve optimal dosing . DHEA, 25 mg 1-3 times per day (refer to DHEA Replacement Therapy protocol)
Multivitamin and multiminerals Vitamin C (1,000 mg per day), vitamin A (10,000 - 25,000 IU per day), B complex [(50 - 100 mg/day), augmented with vitamins B2 (riboflavin, 10 mg), B3 (niacin, 10 - 25 mg), and B6 (pyridoxine, 5 - 15 mg)], selenium (200 mcg per day), vitamin E (400 IU per day), and zinc (30 mg per day) can help promote normal thyroid hormone production.
B vitamins complex These B vitamins are essential for energy production, mood, nervous system function and wound healing. One of the main complaints of hypothyroidism is fatigue, which is mostly caused by low levels of thyroid hormone, but may also be the result of low B vitamin status.	L-Phenylalanine As a precursor to the amino acid tyrosine, phenylalanine plays an important role in thyroid function. Deficiency of phenylalanine and L-tyrosine has been associated with hypothyroidism.
Selenium Selenium assists in removing toxins from the body through the enzyme glutathione peroxidase. Selenium is readily available in many foods, such as asparagus, grains, garlic, and mushrooms. Many agricultural areas, however, are extremely deficient in selenium. Research has linked selenium with thyroid function. One study found that the combination of both iodine and selenium deficiency was particularly toxic to the thyroid gland (Contempre et al. 1995). A recent study in Belgium used selenium (20-60 mcg per day) to treat 18 children with congenital hypothyroidism. Supplementation with selenium caused a 74% increase in plasma selenium and normalised the levels of TSH. The authors concluded that selenium improves the thyroid hormone feedback system and improves the conversion of T4 to active T3 (Chanoine et al. 2001). Another article described the use of selenium in three cases of hypothyroidism in children. After only 4 weeks of supplementation, they saw a marked improvement of all clinical symptoms and a return to normal metabolism (Pizzulli et al. 2000). A double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 36 elderly subjects conducted in Italy found a linear correlation between selenium levels and T4 (as well as the ratio of T3:T4). Reduced conversion of T4 to T3 causes an overt hypothyroid condition that is common in the elderly. The main result of the study was a significant improvement in selenium levels and a decrease in the T4 levels in selenium-treated subjects (Olivieri et al. 1995). The recommended daily amount of Selenium is 200-600 mcg per day

Thyroid Association of New Zealand Inc.

Natural Supplements