Some experts recommend that everyone with hypothyroidism supplement with magnesium because a slowdown with your thyroid gland changes how your body metabolizes and eliminates this vital mineral.
Avoid taking your thyroid hormone at the same time as:
Iron supplements or multivitamins containing iron. Calcium supplements. Antacids that contain aluminum, magnesium or calcium.
Taking levothyroxine and magnesium oxide too close together may interfere with the absorption of levothyroxine and reduce its effectiveness. To prevent or minimize potential interaction, these medications should preferably be taken at least four hours apart.
In hypothyroidism there is hypomagnesaemia because of urinary output and fractional excretion of magnesium through urine. Magnesium level is reduced due to influence on GFR and decreased clearance. In hypothyroidism there is an increased renal blood flow leading to high clearance of magnesium from the kidneys.
TSH levels increased with training and Mg supplementation (p<0.05).
Low magnesium levels are associated with thyroglobulin antibody (TGAb) positivity, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and hypothyroidism. A magnesium deficiency can put those with Hashimoto's at a higher risk of developing symptoms.
Biotin supplements, for example, can interfere with thyroid function tests by showing falsely low TSH levels. The ATA recommends you stop taking biotin for at least two days before a thyroid test to avoid misleading results. You get sick. “If you become very sick, your TSH can be suppressed,” Davies says.
People over the age of 31 are recommended 420 mg daily for men and 320 mg for women. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding between the ages of 14 to 18 should take 400 mg or 360 mg, respectively.
Iron deficiency is strongly associated with hypothyroid status, and sufficient iron stores are vital for the thyroid function.
Inadequate intake of iodine impairs thyroid function and results in a spectrum of disorders. Other common deficiencies of micronutrients such as iron, selenium, vitamin A, and possibly zinc may interact with iodine nutrition and thyroid function.
As mentioned above, levothyroxine should not be taken within 4 hours of medications and supplements like antacids, bile acid sequestrants, ion exchange resins, iron supplements, or calcium.
Products such as iron and calcium supplements and antacids can lower your body's ability to absorb levothyroxine, so SYNTHROID should be taken 4 hours before or after taking these products.
There are some foods and drinks that do not mix well with levothyroxine: drinks containing caffeine, like coffee, tea and some fizzy drinks, can reduce the amount of levothyroxine your body takes in. Leave at least 30 minutes after taking levothyroxine before you drink them.
Too much iodine can make hypothyroidism worse in people who already have the condition. In some parts of the world, it's common for people not to get enough iodine in their diets. The addition of iodine to table salt has almost eliminated this problem in the United States.
However, the magnesium most often recommended for hypothyroid patients is magnesium glycinate because it's the most easily absorbed. It's also far less likely to cause adverse effects -- primarily loose stools -- when compared to other forms of magnesium.
Fatty Foods Such as Butter, Meat, and All Things Fried
Fats may also interfere with the thyroid's ability to produce hormone as well. Some healthcare professionals recommend that you cut out all fried foods and reduce your intake of fats from sources such as butter, mayonnaise, margarine, and fatty cuts of meat.
Vitamin B12
A B12 supplement can improve hypothyroid symptoms by increasing the number of healthy red blood cells. These cells can deliver oxygen-fresh blood to your tissues and promote energy metabolism.
Magnesium deficiency is diagnosed via a blood test and sometimes a urine test. Your doctor may order the blood test if you have symptoms such as weakness, irritability, abnormal heart rhythm, nausea and/or diarrhoea, or if you have abnormal calcium or potassium levels.
Cruciferous vegetables – Vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, kale and Brussels sprouts can inhibit the production of thyroid hormone. This is especially common in those who have an iodine deficiency. Digesting these vegetables can block the ability to absorb iodine, which is needed for normal thyroid function.
One note: Walnuts can interfere with thyroid hormone absorption, so avoid eating them at the same time you take your medication.