Thyroid Harmony Formula

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH ON THE FOLLOWING INGREDIENTS:

VITAMIN A (retinyl palmitate)

The effect of vitamin A supplementation on thyroid function in premenopausal women

Abstract

Objective: Vitamin A and its retinoid derivates play an important role in regulation of normal growth and development. Vitamin A has been shown to regulate thyroid hormone metabolism and inhibit thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) secretion via down regulation of TSH-β gene expression; however, the effect of vitamin A on thyroid function in obese individuals who are at higher risk of subclinical hypothyroidism is still unclear. In the present study we investigate the impact of vitamin A supplementation on thyroid function in obese women.

Method: A 4-month randomized, double blind controlled trial was conducted among 84 healthy women aged 17-50 years old: 56 were obese (body mass index [BMI] 30-35 kg/m(2)) and 28 were nonobese (BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m(2)). Obese women were randomly allocated to receive either vitamin A (25,000 IU/d retinyl palmitate) or placebo. Nonobese women received vitamin A. At baseline and 4 months after intervention, serum concentrations of TSH, total thyroxine (T4), total triiodothyronine (T3), retinol-binding protein (RBP), and transthyretin (TTR) were measured.

Results: Baseline concentrations of thyroid hormones, RBP and TTR were not significantly different between groups. Vitamin A caused a significant reduction in serum TSH concentrations in obese (p = 0.004) and nonobese (p = 0.001) groups. Serum T3 concentrations also increased in both obese and nonobese vitamin A-treated groups (p < 0.001). Serum T4 decreased in all 3 groups after treatment. The results showed a significant reduction in serum RBP in the obese group after vitamin A supplementation (p = 0.007), but no significant change was seen in serum TTR.

Conclusions: Serum TSH concentrations in vitamin A-treated subjects were significantly reduced; therefore, vitamin A supplementation might reduce the risk of subclinical hypothyroidism in premenopausal women.

Source: Mahdieh Abbasalizad Farhangi, Seyyed Ali Keshavarz, Mohammadreza Eshraghian, Alireza Ostadrahimi, and Ali Akbar Saboor-Yaraghi. “The effect of vitamin A supplementation on thyroid function in premenopausal women” Journal of the American College of Nutrition (2012): 31(4):268-74.

VITAMIN C (ascorbic acid)

Effects of selenium and vitamin C on the serum level of antithyroid peroxidase antibody in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis

Abstract

Purpose: Selenium (Se), an essential trace element, has been implicated in pathogenesis of autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT). Most studies attributed the immune modulating effects of Se to its antioxidant properties. However, there is insufficient evidence to support the use of selenium supplementation or other antioxidants in patients with AIT. This clinical trial was designed to investigate the impact of Se and vitamin C supplementation on antithyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO-Ab) level in patients with AIT.

Methods: One hundred and two subjects aged 15-78 years were randomized into three groups. Group one (GI) (n = 38) was treated with 200 μg/day sodium selenite, group two (GII) (n = 36) received 500 mg vitamin C/day, and group three (GIII) (n = 28) received placebo over a 3-month period. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), TPO-Ab, antithyroglobulin antibody (Tg-Ab) and Se concentrations were once measured before treatment and at the end of the study.

Results: After 3 months, TPO-Ab concentrations decreased within Se and vitamin C-treated groups, but did not change in the placebo subjects. In this regard, there was no significant difference between the groups. We also did not find any statistically significant difference in TSH and Tg-Ab levels within and between the groups. At the end of the study, Se level was significantly higher in GI compared with GII and GIII.

Conclusion: Our findings supported the hypothesis of antioxidant beneficial effects of Se in AIT. However, it was not superior to vitamin C, regarding its effects on thyroid-specific antibodies.

Source: F. Karimi and G. R. Omrani. “Effects of selenium and vitamin C on the serum level of antithyroid peroxidase antibody in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis” Journal of Endocrinological Investigation (2019): 42(4):481-487.

VITAMIN B12 (methylcobalamin)

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) Deficiency in Overt and Subclinical Primary Hypothyroidism

Abstract

Background: B12 (cobalamin) deficiency has been reported in hypothyroid patients with variable prevalence rates thus routine screening of hypothyroid patients was recommended by some and discouraged by others. We aimed to assess the prevalence of B12 deficiency among hypothyroid patients and to evaluate for pernicious anemia and celiac disease as etiologies.

Methods: A total 133 patients were included. Thyroid hormones and thyroid peroxidase (TPO) autoantibodies were measured. Serum B12 was measured and if deficient, intrinsic factor antibodies (IFAB) and tissue transglutaminase (tTG) antibodies were evaluated.

Results: Our study included 45 patients with overt hypothyroidism (OH), 48 patients with subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH), and 40 patients as controls. Mean age was 34.3 years and 82% were females. TPO antibodies were positive in 73.5% of OH and 51.1% of SCH patients. B12 deficiency was detected in 33.3%, 47.9%, and 37.5% of OH, SCH, and controls, respectively with no significant difference (P = .334). Borderline-to-low B12 level was more prevalent in the OH and the SCH groups compared to controls (68.9%, 85.4%, and 57.5%, respectively; P = .014). Among B12-deficient hypothyroid patients, 7.5% had positive IFAB and 13.3% had positive tTG antibodies. We did not find a significant association of TPO positivity and B12 deficiency (OR, 0.69; 95% CI 0.3-1.57; P = .147).

Conclusion: We did not find a higher prevalence of B12 deficiency among hypothyroid patients nor an association with TPO positivity. Borderline B12 levels were more prevalent among hypothyroid patients.

Source: Mohamed Aon, Sherif Taha, Khaled Mahfouz, Mohamed M. Ibrahim, and Ahmed H. Aoun. “Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) Deficiency in Overt and Subclinical Primary Hypothyroidism” Clinical Medicine Insights: Endocrinology and Diabetes (2022): 15: 11795514221086634.

ZINC (zinc citrate)

Study of Trace Elements in Patients of Hypothyroidism with Special Reference to Zinc and Copper

Abstract

Background: Hypothyroidism is a clinical entity resulting from a deficiency of thyroid hormones or, more rarely, from their impaired activity at the tissue level. Several mineral and trace elements are essential for normal thyroid hormone metabolism and co-existing deficiencies of these elements can impair thyroid function. The present study was conducted with the aim to find out the concentrations of zinc and copper in hypothyroidism and to determine the possible correlations between trace elements and thyroid hormones.

Materials and methods: Our study included 40 patients with hypothyroidism and 40 normal control subjects. In all the subjects, T3, T4, and TSH were measured by ELISA whereas trace elements zinc and copper were measured colorimetrically

Results: Both zinc and copper were significantly reduced in patients of hypothyroidism as compared to controls (57.05±7.54 μg/dl vs. 98.02±7.77 μg/dl, p<0.001 and 73.86±6.22 μg/dl vs. 114.97±18.18 μg/dl, p<0.001, respectively). Zinc was significantly and positively correlated with T3 (r=0.326; p<0.05) in hypothyroidism patients but there was no significant correlation of zinc with rest of the hormones i.e., T4 (r=0.078; p>0.05) and TSH (r=-0.026; p>0.05) levels. With regard to copper, we did not find any significant correlation of copper with T3 (r=0.076; p>0.05), T4 (r=0.171; p>0.05) and TSH (r=0.167; p>0.05).

Conclusion: In conclusion, hypothyroid patients had significantly decreased concentration of zinc and copper. Hence, diet rich in trace elements, viz. zinc and copper should be supplied to patients of hypothyroidism in order to maintain normal thyroid hormone function.

Source: Manisha Arora, Roshan Kumar Mahat, Sudeep Kumar, Imran Mustafa and Sumesh Prasad Sah. “Study of Trace Elements in Patients of Hypothyroidism with Special Reference to Zinc and Copper” Biomedical Journal of Scientific & Technical Research (2018): Vol 6, Issue 2.

SELENIUM (selenomethionine)

Effect of selenium on thyroid autoimmunity and regulatory T cells in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis: A prospective randomized-controlled trial

Abstract

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element in humans. Recent studies of Se supplementation on the effect of Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) have been reported, but the exact benefit is unclear as well as the underlying immunologic mechanism. We aimed to evaluate the clinical effect of Se supplement in patients with HT, and explore the potential mechanism against thyroid autoimmunity. A prospective, randomized-controlled study was performed in patients with HT assigned to two groups. Se-treated group (n = 43) received selenious yeast tablet (SYT) for 6 months, whereas no treatment in control group (n = 47). The primary outcome is the change of thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) or thyroglobulin antibody (TGAb). Second, thyroid function, urinary iodine, Se, Glutathione peroxidase3 (GPx3), and Selenoprotein P1 (SePP1) levels were measured during the SYT treatment. Meanwhile, regulatory T cells (Tregs) and their subsets activated Tregs (aTregs), resting Tregs, and secreting Tregs, as well as Helios and PD-1 expression on these cells were also detected. The results showed that SYT treatment significantly decreased TPOAb, TGAb, and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, accompanied with the increased Se, GPx3, and SePP1, compared with the control group. Subgroup analysis revealed that subclinical HT may benefit more from this treatment in the decrease of TSH levels by interaction test. Moreover, the percentage of aTregs, Helios/Tregs, and Helios/aTregs were significantly higher in the Se-treated group than control. In conclusion, Se supplementation may have a beneficial effect on thyroid autoantibodies and thyroid function by increasing the antioxidant activity and upregulating the activated Treg cells.

Source: Yifang Hu, Wenwen Feng, Huanhuan Chen, He Shi, Lin Jiang, Xuqin Zheng, Xiaoyun Liu, Wensong Zhang, Yaoqi Ge, Yun Liu, and Dai Cu. “Effect of selenium on thyroid autoimmunity and regulatory T cells in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis: A prospective randomized-controlled trial” Clinical and Translational Science (2021): 14(4):1390-1402.

MYO-INOSITOL (MYO) (Vitamin B8)

Myo-inositol plus selenium supplementation restores euthyroid state in Hashimoto’s patients with subclinical hypothyroidism

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Clinical evidence suggests that oral supplementation with myo-inositol (MI) and selenium (Se) is useful in the treatment of autoimmune thyroiditis. The purpose of this study was to highlight the positive response of Hashimoto’s patients with subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) treated with MI and Se (MI-Se) in restoring a normal thyroid function.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 168 patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) having Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) levels between 3 and 6 µIU/ml were randomized into 2 groups: one receiving MI-Se and the other one Se alone.

RESULTS: TSH, anti-thyroid peroxidase (TPOAb) and anti-thyroglobulin (TgAb) levels were significantly decreased in patients treated with combined MI-Se after six months of treatment. Also, a significant free serum T4 increase was observed in MI-Se group, along with an amelioration of patients’ quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS: The administration of MI-Se is significantly effective in decreasing TSH, TPOAb and TgAb levels, as well as in enhancing thyroid hormones and personal wellbeing. Such treatment restored euthyroidism in patients diagnosed with autoimmune thyroiditis.

Source: M. Nordio and S. Basciani “Myo-inositol plus selenium supplementation restores euthyroid state in Hashimoto’s patients with subclinical hypothyroidism” European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences (2017): 21 (2 Suppl): 51-59.

L-TYROSINE

Tyrosine and the Thyroid Hormones - Editorial

TYROSINE occupies a crucial place in intermediary metabolism as the precursor of the thyroid hormones, thyroxine, and triiodothyronine; of the adrenal medullary hormones, epinephrine, and norepinephrine; of the pigment, melanin; and is incorporated into body proteins. (Fig. 1.) It has recently been recognized that in patients with thyroid disorders characteristic changes in the metabolism of tyrosine occur regularly [ I--4j. The nature and significance of these changes are reviewed here briefly.

In hyperthyroid patients the concentration tyrosine in plasma is increased nearly 70 per cent above values found in euthyroid subjects [1,2]. In addition, after ingesting tyrosine, patients with hyperthyroidism have plasma tyrosine levels which are several times higher than those of euthyroid subjects similarly treated [3,4]. Significant increases occur in normal subjects within 5 to 8 hours of receiving triiodothyronine orally, and within 24 hours the concentration of tyrosine in plasma has been shown to increase from normal values of 11.8 + 0.4 to 18.0 f 0.8 pg. per ml. [3]. These values are almost identical with those found in spontaneously occurring Graves’ disease [4].

Conversely, the levels of tyrosine in plasma of hypothyroid subjects are diminished, although to a lesser degree. The mean levels in plasma obtained before breakfast average 9.8 * 0.6 pg. per ml. in hypothyroid subjects. After the ingestion of tyrosine, plasma levels remain below those of similarly treated euthyroid subjects for as long as 6 hours [4].

The elevation of tyrosine levels in hyperthyroidism is especially noteworthy because the total concentration of alpha amino nitrogen in plasma in these patients is normal [1,3]. Of the numerous amino acids which have been measured in plasma of hyperthyroid patients, the concentrations of only tyrosine and, glutamic acid are increased. Further evidence for the specificity of the changes in tyrosine metabolism is that tryptophan and phenylalanine levels in normal subjects arc unchanged following treatment with large doses of triiodothyronine 131.

Source: Editorial “Tyrosine and the Thyroid Hormones” The American Journal of Medicine (1966): Vol 40 No.6.

BLADDERWRACK

Promoting Healthy Thyroid Function with Iodine, Bladderwrack, Guggul and Iris

Abstract

Iodine is an essential component of thyroid hormones and is therefore essential for normal thyroid function. However, the therapeutic use of iodine requires careful evaluation because of its narrow range of intake to support optimal thyroid function. The combination of naturally occurring compounds such as Gum Guggul (Commiphora mukul), Blue Flag root (Iris versicolor) and seaweeds such as Bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus) has shown beneficial effects in the treatment of thyroid dysfunction. These compounds have different mechanisms of action and may act synergistically to support thyroid health in conditions such as Hashimoto’s disease and subclinical hypothyroidism. Fucus provides iodine and upregulates the production of iodine-processing hormones, while Commiphora enhances the conversion of T4 to T3, and Iris is a detoxifying agent. These three agents have been used in combination with Nettle leaf (Urtica), Ashwagandha (Withania), Triphala, and Bacopa (Bacopa monnieri), and with supplements supporting basal metabolism and general thyroid function such as L-tyrosine, diiodotyrosine, magnesium, selenium, and iron. Reported side effects include the induction of iodine sensitivity by Bladderwrack and hypersensitivity reactions such as rash and pruritis caused by Guggul. The use of Guggul and Iris is not recommended during pregnancy.

Source: Jill Stansbury, Paul Saunders, and David Winston. “Promoting Healthy Thyroid Function with Iodine, Bladderwrack, Guggul and Iris” Journal of Restorative Medicine (2021): 1(1):83-90.

ASHWAGANDHA (root extract) (2.5% withanolides)

Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha Root Extract in Subclinical Hypothyroid Patients: A Double-Blind, Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: Subclinical hypothyroidism, a thyroid disorder without obvious symptoms of thyroid deficiency, occurs in 3%-8% of the global population. Ashwagandha [Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal], a traditional medicine in Ayurveda, is often prescribed for thyroid dysfunctions.

Objective: This pilot study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ashwagandha root extract in subclinical hypothyroid patients.

Design, setting, and participants: A prospective, randomized, double-blind, single-center placebo-controlled study was performed at Sudbhawana Hospital, Varanasi, India between May 2016 and September 2016. Fifty subjects with elevated serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels (4.5-10 μIU/L) aged between 18 and 50 were randomized in either treatment (n = 25) or placebo (n = 25) groups for an 8-week treatment period.

Interventions: Ashwagandha root extract (600 mg daily) or starch as placebo. Efficacy Variables: Serum TSH, serum triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4) levels.

Results: A total of four subjects (two from each group) withdrew their consent before the second visit. Eight weeks of treatment with ashwagandha improved serum TSH (p < 0.001), T3 (p = 0.0031), and T4 (p = 0.0096) levels significantly compared to placebo. Ashwagandha treatment effectively normalized the serum thyroid indices during the 8-week treatment period in a significant manner (time-effects: TSH [p < 0.001], T3 [p < 0.001], and T4 [p < 0.001]). Four subjects (8%) (ashwagandha: 1[4%]; Placebo: 3[12%]) out of 50 reported few mild and temporary adverse effects during this study.

Conclusion: Treatment with ashwagandha may be beneficial for normalizing thyroid indices in subclinical hypothyroid patients.

Source: Ashok Kumar Sharma, Indraneel Basu, and Siddarth Singh.“Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha Root Extract in Subclinical Hypothyroid Patients: A Double-Blind, Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial” Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (2018): 24(3):243-248.

ALOE VERA (inner leaf gel concentrate) (200:1)

Marked improvement of thyroid function and autoimmunity by Aloe barbadensis miller juice in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism

Abstract

Some natural compounds decrease serum levels of thyroid autoantibodies, but results are inconsistent and thyroid function has been evaluated infrequently; moreover, the effects of Aloe on thyroid autoimmunity and function have been examined in very few studies. This study stems from the observation of one co-author, who has Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT)-related subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH). Upon checking her biochemical thyroid panel when taking daily Aloe barbadensis Miller juice (ABMJ) for thyroid-unrelated reasons, she noticed a decrease in serum thyroperoxidase autoantibodies (TPOAb) and thyrotropin (TSH) and an increase in serum free thyroxine (FT4). Based on this observation, we enrolled 30 consecutive HT women with levothyroxine-untreated SCH and high TPOAb levels. All of them took ABMJ (50 ml daily) for nine months and were tested for serum TSH, FT4, free triiodothyronine (FT3) and TPOAb. Measurements were performed at baseline and at months 3 and 9. TSH, FT4 and TPOAb improved significantly already at month 3 and further (−61%, +23% and −56%) at month 9. However, FT3 decreased significantly at month 3 (−16%) with no further decrease at month 9, so that the FT4:FT3 ratio increased significantly (+33% and + 49%). At baseline, 100% of women had TSH > 4.0 mU/L and TPOAb > 400 U/ml, but frequencies fell to 0% and 37%, respectively, at month 9. In contrast, a control group (namely, 15 untreated SCH women of comparable age and baseline levels of TSH, FT4, FT3 and TPOAb) had no significant changes in any index. We conclude that the daily intake of 100 ml ABMJ for 9 months in women with HT-related SCH decreases the burden of thyroid autoimmune inflammation. In addition, ABMJ rescues thyrocyte function, with decreased need for conversion of the prohormone T4 into the more active T3 through ABMJ-induced inhibition of T4 deiodination.

Source: Daniela Metro, Valeria Cernaro, Mattia Papa, and Salvatore Benvenga “Marked improvement of thyroid function and autoimmunity by Aloe barbadensis miller juice in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism” Journal of Clinical and Translational Endocrinology (2018): Vol 11;18-25.

References:

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23378454/
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30182359/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8943463/
4. https://biomedres.us/fulltexts/BJSTR.MS.ID.001336.php
5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33650299/
6. https://www.europeanreview.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/051-059-Myo-inositol-and-selenium-restore-euthyroid-state.pdf
7. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/272145237_Promoting_Healthy_Thyroid_Function_with_Iodine_Bladderwrack_Guggul_and_Iris
8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28829155/
9. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214623717301126