Malfunctioning thyroid can cause a lot of problems even though it is a small unassuming gland in your neck. There are several vitamins and other supplements that can be good for your thyroid health. Tyrosine, probiotics, iodine, and vitamin D among others are considered helpful in terms of thyroid support.

These are a few of the top supplements for thyroid support.

1. Iodine

Iodine is considered a primary raw material and building block for production of thyroid hormone. The thyroid gland procures iodine from your diet to create the thyroid hormone. A significant portion of the American public consumes an iron deficient diet. This places them at a great risk of developing thyroid associated conditions.

You should have your iodine deficiency evaluated by taking a urinary iodine clearance test. Consult with your doctor if the test shows that you are iodine deficient. Your doctor could recommend iodide or iodine supplements, such as Lugol’s solution or Iodoral tablets.

It is important to be careful with iodine supplements. You could create more trouble than good if you supplement when not deficient. Research indicates that long term exposure to high levels of iodine can trigger conditions worse than regular thyroid problems. You could suffer from Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, nodules, goiter, hyperthyroidism, or hypothyroidism.

2. Vitamin D

Studies show that vitamin D deficiency has been directly linked with an increase in the risk of developing hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. This is one of the reasons why all practitioners recommend vitamin D level tests in thyroid patients.

Vitamin D deficiency is characterized as a condition in which vitamin D-25 levels are less than <25 nmol/L. In the case of patients with thyroid-related conditions, it is believed that the threshold should be set at a higher level of <60 or 70 nmol/L. Many people believe that a combination of balanced diet and regular sun exposure is enough to get adequate amounts of vitamin D. However, that is not always the case and supplementation is often required. Experts recommend taking vitamin D supplements with dinner or the highest-fat meal of the day to increase absorption.

3. Selenium

Selenium is directly related to the production of thyroid hormone. It assists the thyroid in converting T4 to T3. Selenium can also help in lowering thyroid peroxidase antibodies. Deficiency of this mineral is often linked to an increase in the risk of postpartum thyroid issues and worsening of thyroid related eye disease.

It is important to have selenium levels evaluated in patients at risk or with thyroid. It is difficult to get selenium from your regular diet unless it includes selenium-rich Brazil nuts. Speak to your doctor about supplements if your selenium levels are low. You should have anywhere from 50 to 100 mcg selenium a day for adequate thyroid support.

It is important to take supplements at prescribed levels because a high intake of selenium can prove to be toxic. Never take more than 400 mcg of selenium from all your sources in a day.

4. Probiotics

Multiple studies show that the gut plays an important role in immune system health. Often, a leaky gut condition is associated with autoimmune diseases and slow development of immune health. Many practitioners recommend supplementing with probiotics for greater thyroid support and control.

Probiotics are known as healthy or good bacteria that are naturally living in your gut. They work towards maintaining digestive and intestinal health for a balanced immune function. You may need to take probiotic supplements even if you consume substantial amounts of fermented or probiotic rich foods, like miso, yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, and kombucha.

Choosing the right probiotic supplement can be difficult. The market is saturated with probiotic products claiming to be the best. You should consult with your doctor to find the best supplement for thyroid support.

5. Tyrosine

Tyrosine amino acid is necessary for the conversion of T4 to T3 and production of thyroid hormone. Tyrosine is available in most protein rich foods. However, supplementation is recommended for thyroid patients. Experts believe that thyroid patients should have around 200 to 300 mg of supplements daily.

6. Zinc

Zinc is an important mineral for processing thyroid hormone. It is also necessary for thyroid support and conversion of T4 to T3. Hyperthyroidism is known to get triggered by low levels of zinc. Make sure you get a zinc supplement or vitamin supplements containing zinc. Experts recommend having 15 to 30 mg of zinc supplement daily.

7. Iron

Iron is important for the healthy functioning of your body. But, it is absolutely vital to have normal thyroid functions and regulation of hormones. Low iron levels are directly associated with subclinical hypothyroidism and reduction in levels of T4 and T3.

You can have your iron status evaluated by having ferritin levels measured. Your body stores iron in the form of ferritin which helps in hormone balance. Ferritin is converted to circulating iron as and when the body needs it. You should take iron supplements if your ferritin levels are low.

Iron deficiency plays a major role in hair loss and fatigue in thyroid patients. You should get your ferritin levels tested if you are experiencing fatigue or are losing hair. Studies show that ferritin levels are required to be in the higher end of lab reference range to counteract iron deficiency related hair loss.

However, you need to be careful while supplementing with iron since it can cause stomach pain, nausea, and chronic constipation. Floradix line of supplements is recommended by holistic practitioners in both tablet and liquid form since they are easier on the stomach.

8. Thiamine/vitamin B1

Vitamin B1 or thiamine plays a major role in metabolizing carbohydrates into energy. You would have difficulty concentrating and would feel tired with low thiamine levels. People with autoimmune diseases, like thyroid are more inclined to have a vitamin B1 deficiency.

You should consider speaking to your doctor or taking supplements with 600 mg of thiamine daily if you feel fatigue because of your thyroid condition. A study found that most patients experienced complete or partial elimination of fatigue after just three days of vitamin B1 supplementation.