Most thyroid supplements either correct micronutrient deficiencies or provide subclinical hormonal support. They do NOT replace thyroid medication for diagnosed hypothyroidism.
- Iodine (150 mcg/day, RDA): Essential for thyroid hormone synthesis. Deficiency causes hypothyroidism and goiter. Excess (>1100 mcg/day chronically) can trigger autoimmune thyroiditis.
- Selenium (100β200 mcg/day): Required for T4-to-T3 conversion. May reduce thyroid antibodies in Hashimoto's disease.
- Zinc (15 mg/day): Cofactor for thyroid hormone receptor function.
- Tyrosine (500β1500 mg/day): Amino acid precursor to thyroid hormones. May help under severe stress but minimal benefit in normal conditions.
- Ashwagandha (300β600 mg KSM-66/day): A 2018 trial showed modest T4 increases in subclinical hypothyroid patients.
- Desiccated thyroid products marketed as supplements (some contain actual T3/T4 β prescription only in most countries)
- Mega-dose iodine (kelp-based products with 1000+ mcg/dose)
- Proprietary "thyroid complexes" that may contain hormonal contaminants
- Products encouraging you to stop prescribed levothyroxine
Ingredient safety profile (iodine dose within RDA), selenium form (L-selenomethionine > sodium selenite), third-party purity testing to rule out hormonal contamination, and honest claim language.