How to Take Synthroid & Whey Protein Together
In some cases, mixing medications with over-the-counter products causes adverse reactions. Synthroid is a medication prescribed for low thyroid hormone levels and prevention of goiter 14. Whey protein, available without a prescription, increases your daily protein intake, ideal for people with a low appetite or an eating disorder. Many bodybuilders and athletes use whey protein to build muscle and endurance. Whey protein doesn't appear on the list of contraindicated substances to take with Synthroid, according to Drugs.com 24. However, mixing the two may not be a safe for some people. If you are taking Synthroid, ask your doctor about using whey protein at the same time 14.
Read the whey protein product's nutrition information label 2. It is not safe to ingest large amounts of calcium or iron when taking Synthroid, according to Meritus Medical Center 14. If the whey product is high in either, choose another version or avoid using it altogether.
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Allow four hours between your dose of Synthroid and the ingestion of a whey protein product 4. Note the time when you swallow your thyroid pill; this allows you to determine whether enough time has elapsed before consuming whey protein.
Choose a whey protein product that contains less than 5 grams of fiber per serving. Your body digests high-fiber foods slowly, which may interfere with the absorption of Synthroid, even if you wait several hours to take it 4.
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Take your Synthroid at the same time each day 4. This regulates its effectiveness but also allows you to include whey protein in your meal plan later in the day. Drugs.com recommends taking Synthroid in the morning 14.
Avoid whey protein products that contain cottonseeds, walnuts and soy. These ingredients reduce the absorption of Synthroid, making it less effective for treating your condition 14.
Tips
Set an alarm that reminds you when it is time to take your Synthroid. If you miss a dose and have recently consumed a whey protein product, you might have to wait several hours to take your medication, which could increase symptoms of your thyroid condition.
Warnings
Taking Synthroid with high-fiber foods, iron or calcium may prevent proper absorption of the medication. This puts you at risk for exacerbating your thyroid condition, which could be dangerous to your health, even if you take your medication on time and at regular intervals.
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References
- Synthroid: Tips for Taking Synthroid
- Drugs.com: Whey Protein Information
- Meritus Endocrinology: Ask the Nutritionist
- Drugs.com: Synthroid
- Snythroid: Synthroid Safety Facts
- Espaillat, R., Jarvis, M., Torkelson, C., and B. Sinclair. Gluten and Aluminum Content in Synthroid (Levothyroxine Sodium Tablets). Advances in Therapy. 2017. 34(7):1764-1769. doi:10.1007/s12325-017-0575-y
- Jonklaas J, Bianco AC, Bauer AJ, et al. Guidelines for the treatment of hypothyroidism: prepared by the american thyroid association task force on thyroid hormone replacement. Thyroid. 2014;24(12):1670–1751. doi:10.1089/thy.2014.0028
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- Cabrera-Chavez, F., Iametti, S., de la Barca, A., Mamone, G., and F. Bonomi. Maize Prolamins Resistant to Peptic-Tryptic Digestion Maintain Immune-Recognition by IgA From Some Celiac Disease Patients. Plant Foods for Human Nutrition. 2012. 67(1):24. doi:10.1007/s11130-012-0274-4
- Viinanen A, Salokannel M, Lammintausta K. Gum arabic as a cause of occupational allergy. J Allergy (Cairo). 2011;2011:841508. doi:10.1155/2011/841508
- Bold J, Rostami K. Non-coeliac gluten sensitivity and reproductive disorders. Gastroenterol Hepatol Bed Bench. 2015;8(4):294–297. PMID: 26468350
- Koulouri O, Moran C, Halsall D, Chatterjee K, Gurnell M. Pitfalls in the measurement and interpretation of thyroid function tests. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2013;27(6):745–762. doi:10.1016/j.beem.2013.10.003 doi:10.1016/j.beem.2013.10.003
- Voisin MR, Borici-Mazi R. Anaphylaxis to supplemental oral lactase enzyme. Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol. 2016;12:66. Published 2016 Dec 13. doi:10.1186/s13223-016-0171-8
- Fevzi, D., Mustafa, G., Ozgur, K. et al. Successful Oral Desensitization to Levothyroxine. Annals of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. 2013. 111(2):146-147. doi:10.1016/j.anai.2013.06.003
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