How do vitamins support thyroid function?
How Do Vitamins Support Thyroid Function?
Vitamins are crucial for maintaining healthy thyroid function, which regulates metabolism, energy levels, and overall hormonal balance. Vitamin D plays a key role in thyroid health by modulating the immune system and reducing the risk of autoimmune thyroid disorders, such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis. A 2020 study in Thyroid found that individuals with adequate vitamin D levels had a lower risk of developing thyroid disease.
Vitamin A is essential for the production of thyroid hormones. It helps convert T4 (thyroxine), the inactive form of the hormone, into T3 (triiodothyronine), the active form that regulates metabolism. Research published in The Journal of Endocrinology (2019) indicated that vitamin A deficiency can impair thyroid function and lead to hypothyroidism.
Vitamin B12 is also important for thyroid health, as it supports energy metabolism and the production of red blood cells, which can be affected by thyroid imbalances. A study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2019) highlighted that B12 deficiency is common in people with thyroid disorders and that supplementation can help improve symptoms such as fatigue and weakness.
Conclusion: Vitamins D, A, and B12 are critical for supporting thyroid function. They help regulate hormone production, modulate the immune system, and support overall metabolic health, making them essential for maintaining a healthy thyroid.