Zinc Deficiency and Its Impact on Hashimoto’s Disease

Many of us supplement with zinc when we feel a cold or flu coming on, but there’s so much more to this trace mineral than immune system support. Sure, taking zinc at the onset of a cold could shorten the duration of our symptoms by about one day — but even more importantly — zinc supports a healthy thyroid and gut. It also plays a major role in the overall function of our immune system.

Without adequate levels of zinc in our blood, many of us experience worsened symptoms of Hashimoto’s and hypothyroidism (including symptoms hair loss, brittle nails, depression, and diarrhea). For this reason, zinc supplementation is oftentimes necessary on top of taking thyroid medication and avoiding any foods we’re sensitive or allergic to.

Zinc Deficiency, Thyroid Disease, and Hashimoto’s

Zinc deficiency is common in hypothyroid patients, largely because those with hypothyroidism tend to have issues absorbing zinc in the gut. And as Dr. Izabella Wentz states in the book Hashimoto’s Protocol, adequate levels of zinc are needed in order for our bodies to produce TSH (the thyroid stimulating hormone) and convert T4 (the main thyroid hormone) into T3 (the active thyroid hormone).

You’re more likely to become deficient in zinc if you have hypothyroidism, and you’re more likely to develop Hashimoto’s if you have increased intestinal permeability: A digestive condition that’s been linked to Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, hypothyroidism, and zinc deficiency. A zinc deficiency could also cause hypothyroidism.

Symptoms of zinc deficiency include:

Brittle, weak, or peeling nails.
Loss of hair.
Delayed wound healing.
Sensory impairments (e.g. vision, smell, and taste).
Susceptibility to colds and infections.

In some cases, low zinc levels could also contribute to obesity in women with hypothyroidism. A randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that taking zinc alone or in combination with selenium could help to decrease TSH levels and increase free T3 and free T4 levels. This suggests that supplementing with zinc could be beneficial to hypothyroid women with higher body weights.

Another study that was published in the International Journal of Trichology looked at the link between hypothyroidism, zinc, and hair loss. After a 28-year-old woman with hypothyroidism and severe alopecia began supplementing with zinc, she experienced complete hair regrowth within four months of beginning zinc supplements. The patient also noticed an improvement in her appetite, mood, and taste acuity.

Testing Your Zinc Levels for Improved Thyroid Health

To determine whether a zinc deficiency could be worsening your thyroid symptoms, it’s important to have your zinc levels tested. Normal blood levels fall between 790 and 1,500 mcg/dL — according to Dr. Amy Myers — but the optimal range is 1,000 to 1,200 mcg/dL.

There are a couple of options for treating a deficiency if your zinc levels are below the recommended ranges. We’ll discuss those options below.

Treating a Zinc Deficiency

To treat a zinc deficiency, Dr. Wentz recommends supplementing with 30 mg of zinc picolinate daily and/or increasing your intake of zinc-rich foods such as oysters, liver, chicken, beef, and lobster. When supplementing with zinc, however, it’s best to take it with food and avoid taking more than 40 mg daily — as higher doses could deplete your copper levels. To prevent a copper deficiency when taking zinc, Dr. Amy Myers recommends supplementing with copper as well.

While meat and seafood products are the best food sources of zinc, you can also get zinc from vegetarian foods like spinach, tofu, tempeh, nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains. However, those of us with Hashimoto’s and thyroid disease tend to follow paleo or autoimmune paleo (AIP) diets that disallow many grains and legumes.

That being said, daily supplementation is especially important when it’s not possible to get enough zinc from diet alone. The body cannot store zinc, so it’s important to ensure you’re getting adequate amounts of this essential trace mineral each day.

Dr. Wentz offers the following recommendations for increasing the absorption of zinc supplements:

Taking zinc at least two hours apart from any iron-containing supplements
Supplementing with evening primrose oil (twice-daily doses of 500 mg are recommended)
Consuming high-phytate foods away from zinc supplements (e.g. grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes)

Whether you plan on supplementing with zinc or incorporating more zinc-rich foods into your diet, I can help you to take back your health and improve your thyroid function. Apply for the Thyroid Reset Method™ or schedule your Vital You VIP Consult to begin your thyroid healing journey!

Ready to reverse a zinc deficiency, heal your thyroid, and start feeling your best? Not sure whether your health issues are thyroid-related? Start by taking my thyroid quiz, scheduling your 90-minute Vital You VIP Consult, or applying for the Thyroid Reset Method™.