Nutrient Deficiencies and Hashimoto’s

All too often, those of us with Hashimoto’s disease take our thyroid medications exactly as directed and make various changes to what we eat and how we live our lives, only to continue experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, hair loss, and anxiety. These persistent symptoms can leave us wondering whether we’re doing something horribly wrong on our end, or if perhaps one or more nutrient deficiencies could be coming into play. For the majority of us, it could very well be a deficiency in one or more of these nutrients: thiamine (vitamin B1), selenium, magnesium, zinc, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and ferritin.

Below, we’ll take a closer look at these possible root causes behind autoimmune thyroid disease and how one or more nutrient deficiencies could be holding you back from achieving remission.

Thiamine (Vitamin B1)

I’ve previously written about the importance of supplementing with thiamine if you, like many other women with Hashimoto’s, struggle with persistent fatigue. Mild deficiencies in this water-soluble B vitamin include fatigue, brain fog, depression, low stomach acid, and abdominal pain — but supplementing with thiamine could reduce the severity of these symptoms and kick lingering thyroid fatigue to the curb.

Supplementing with 600 mg of thiamine daily seems to be ideal for combatting Hashimoto’s-related fatigue, according to a case report published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. Moreover, thiamine levels do not need to be monitored during supplementation, as excess amounts of vitamin B1 are typically not harmful and are excreted through urine.

Selenium

Like thiamine, selenium deficiencies are common among those of us with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Without adequate levels of selenium in our blood, we might experience persistent thyroid-related symptoms such as anxiety, hair loss, low energy levels, and depression. Additionally, research suggests that deficiencies in this trace mineral could play a role in the development of myodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases, cognitive decline, and infertility.

What’s more, both mild and severe selenium deficiencies have been linked to the development of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. And since selenium plays a crucial role in converting thyroxine (T4) to triiodothyronine (T3), supplementing with selenium methionine is best for optimal thyroid function. Selenium can be found in foods such as Brazil nuts, seafood, and organ meats, but taking a daily supplement is the easiest way to ensure you’re regularly consuming sufficient amounts.

In her book titled Hashimoto’s Protocol: A 90-Day Plan for Reversing Thyroid Symptoms and Getting Your Life Back, Dr. Izabella Wentz recommends daily doses of between 200 and 400 mcg for reducing anxiety and thyroid antibodies, preventing postpartum thyroiditis, promoting hair regrowth, and improving energy levels. Those with Graves’ orbitopathy may also benefit from selenium supplementation. Daily doses of more than 800 mcg can be toxic, however, so it’s important to stay within the recommended range.

Magnesium

According to the results of a cross-sectional study published in Scientific Reports, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, hypothyroidism, and positive thyroglobulin antibodies (tgAb) are all associated with severely low serum levels of magnesium. And when magnesium levels are low, individuals may experience headaches, painful menstrual cramps, constipation, muscle spasms, joint pain, anxiety, and fatigue.

That said, supplementing with magnesium can help to treat the deficiency, produce TSH, boost thyroid function, and improve the body’s ability to detoxify. Dr. Wentz recommends supplementing with no more than 400 mg of magnesium citrate daily if you’re prone to constipation and anxiety, or 100 mg of magnesium glycinate at bedtime if loose stools are a concern. Just be sure to take magnesium supplements at least four hours after you’ve taken your thyroid medication.

Zinc

Zinc deficiencies are common among those with hypothyroidism, as depleted levels can prevent the body from producing TSH and converting T4 into T3. And since zinc is not stored in the body, you could very well be deficient in this trace mineral if you’re not regularly supplementing with zinc or consuming foods such as oysters and red meat. Symptoms can include brittle nails, frequent colds, and an impaired sense of taste and smell. Having a zinc deficiency could also impair your appetite, vision, and ability to focus.

If you’re unable to consume zinc through diet alone, Dr. Wentz recommends supplementing with 30 mg of zinc daily, preferably with food. Taking a twice-daily dose of evening primrose oil (500 mg each) can help to improve zinc absorption — and according to an article published in the Journal of the American Pharmaceutical Association — potentially reduce symptoms of premenstrual syndrome as well.

Read my blog post to learn more about zinc’s impact on Hashimoto’s disease.

Vitamin D

Numerous studies have linked vitamin D deficiency, or hypovitaminosis D, to autoimmune thyroid disease. One such study published in Endocrine Practice found that being female and having a long history of Hashimoto’s disease was associated with the lowest levels of vitamin D. Severe vitamin D deficiencies were also associated with higher levels of thyroid autoantibodies.

If you’re experiencing symptoms such as bone pain, fatigue, weakness, lethargy, and muscle twitching, it’s important to have your vitamin D levels checked before beginning supplementation for a suspected vitamin D deficiency. Though vitamin D toxicity is rare, it is possible.

For optimal immune function and thyroid health, Dr. Wentz recommends keeping your vitamin D levels within the range of 60 and 80 ng/mL. You can increase your vitamin D levels through sun exposure; supplementation (Dr. Wentz generally recommends daily doses of between 2,000 and 5,000 IU); or regularly eating foods such as fatty fish, mushrooms, and eggs.

Learn more about Hashimoto’s and vitamin D deficiency here.

Vitamin B12 and Ferritin

In addition to the nutritional deficiencies I’ve discussed above, ferritin (an iron-storing blood protein) and vitamin B12 are two other commonly found deficiencies in those with Hashimoto’s. But like vitamin D, both require lab testing before supplementation should begin. Elevated ferritin levels can be toxic, while vitamin B12 levels should be monitored so you can track your progress.

For optimal thyroid health, Hashimoto’s Protocol states that ferritin levels should fall within 90 and 110 ng/ML and B12 should fall within 700 and 900 pg/mL. Low ferritin levels can cause hair loss, fatigue, cold intolerance, and tongue problems, while B12 deficiencies can cause brain fog, depression, and issues with memory and balance.

What You Can Do

If you think you could be deficient in thiamine, selenium, magnesium, zinc, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and/or ferritin, these nutritional deficiencies could very well be preventing you from putting your Hashimoto’s symptoms into remission. Contact me today, and I’ll help you to find your Hashimoto’s root cause, boost your energy levels, banish persistent brain fog, and feel better overall.

Are you ready to uncover the hidden nutrient deficiencies that could be holding you back from feeling as good as you used to? Schedule your 90-minute Vital You VIP Consult, apply for the Thyroid Reset Method™, or visit my website to learn more about how I can help you heal from Hashimoto’s and thyroid disease.