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At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration; Thyroid Medications: Q&A with Mary Parks, M.D.; January 2008
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Iron and Iron Deficiency
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Iron and Thyroid Medications
In addition to taking medication on a daily basis, those with thyroid dysfunction must also watch out for possible drug interactions that can cause thyroid medication to not work properly. Since iron supplements may pose potential problems for those with thyroid dysfunction, it's best to talk with your doctor to determine the best way for you to get your iron.
About Thyroid Medications
People whose thyroid glands don't work properly must take thyroid medication to ensure proper levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone in the blood. Medications used to treat overactive thyroid include ethimazole and propylthioracil, while levothyroxine sodium is used to treat underactive thyroid function. These medications require precise dosing to keep thyroid hormone levels stable and normal, and patients generally need periodic blood tests to monitor the effectiveness of treatment. Because certain medications, vitamins and supplements may interfere with thyroid medication, it's important to check with your doctor before taking new medicines or supplements.
- People whose thyroid glands don't work properly must take thyroid medication to ensure proper levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone in the blood.
- These medications require precise dosing to keep thyroid hormone levels stable and normal, and patients generally need periodic blood tests to monitor the effectiveness of treatment.
Iron Interference
Iron Supplements & Levothyroxine
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According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, iron supplements can interfere with the absorption of thyroid medication and decrease the effectiveness of the medicine. Before taking an iron supplement or any type of multivitamin that contains iron, check with your doctor. If you need to take an iron supplement, your doctor may advise you to take it a few hours before or after you take your thyroid medication. You may also need closer monitoring of your thyroid hormone levels to make sure your medication continues to work properly.
- According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, iron supplements can interfere with the absorption of thyroid medication and decrease the effectiveness of the medicine.
- If you need to take an iron supplement, your doctor may advise you to take it a few hours before or after you take your thyroid medication.
Options
If you're concerned about taking an iron supplement that may interfere with your thyroid medication, you can always get the iron your body needs the old-fashioned way -- through the foods you eat. While iron supplements can cause trouble for those with thyroid dysfunction, getting iron through food won't interfere with your medication. To avoid potential problems with supplements, make iron-rich foods such as meat, liver, spinach and lentils a part of your regular diet.
Increasing Iron Absorption
Thyroid Medication & Weight Loss
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If you choose not to take iron supplements, try eating iron-rich foods along with foods containing vitamin C, such as citrus fruits or juices, red bell peppers or brussels sprouts. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that vitamin C helps your body absorb iron better, especially when taken at the same time.
Related Articles
References
- Udovcic M, Pena RH, Patham B, Tabatabai L, Kansara A. Hypothyroidism and the Heart. Methodist Debakey Cardiovasc J. 2017;13(2):55-59. doi:10.14797/mdcj-13-2-55
- American Thyroid Association. HYPOTHYROIDISM & PREGNANCY.
- Perez CL, Araki FS, Graf H, De carvalho GA. Serum thyrotropin levels following levothyroxine administration at breakfast. Thyroid. 2013;23(7):779-84. doi:10.1089/thy.2012.0435
- Bajaj, Jagminder K et al. Various Possible Toxicants Involved in Thyroid Dysfunction: A Review. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, vol. 10,1 (2016): FE01-3. doi:10.7860/JCDR/2016/15195.7092
- Cappelli C, Pirola I, Gandossi E, et al. Thyroid Hormone Profile in Patients Ingesting Soft Gel Capsule or Liquid Levothyroxine Formulations with Breakfast. Int J Endocrinol. 2016;2016:9043450. doi:10.1155/2016/9043450
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus. Thyroid. Revised July 15, 2017.
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus. Levothyroxine. Revised February 15, 2019.
- American Thyroid Association. Q and A: Thyroxine Preparations.
- Leng O, Razvi S. Hypothyroidism in the older population. Thyroid Res. 2019;12:2. doi:10.1186/s13044-019-0063-3
- De Carvalho, G., Paz-Filho, G., Mesa Junior, G., and H. Graf. Management of Endocrine Disease: Pitfalls on the Replacement Therapy for Primary and Central Hypothyroidism in Adults. European Journal of Endocrinology. 2018. 178(6):R231-R244.
- Skelin, M., Lucijanic, T., Amidzic Karic, D. et al. Factors Affecting Gastrointestinal Absorption of Levothyroxine: A Review. Clinical Therapeutics. 2017. 39(2):378-403.
Writer Bio
Jessica Taylor has been writing professionally since 2007. She has contributed a number of articles online on topics ranging from fashion to technology to travel. She has a bachelor's degree in English literature from the University of South Florida.