Thyroxine & Iron

[Matheous]

I recently read that you should not take supplement iron or calcium with Levothyroxine as the gland will not absorb prescribed treatment. Any views on that appreciated....

[Buenchico]

Wikipedia isn't always a reliable source of information but this article cites a specific research article (see Ref 3) as the basis for the assertion that iron or calcium supplements should not be taken within 4 hours of taking Levothyroxine:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Levothyroxine

While medical research can sometimes be flawed, it's worth remembering that any doctor will always advise against taking any form of non-prescribed supplement while taking prescribed medication.

Chris

[Ice.Maiden]

Hello Chris.

I believe that you CAN take those supplements Matheous, but as you say, mineral absorption is minimised by taking Levothyroxine. I understood it that they CAN be taken, 2-4 hours afterwards, or so many hours before, but you'd need to check with your doctor on what's safe, and what's not. I believe they can interfere with blood pressure or something, so best to check for definite.

[Sqad]

Matheous.....why take supplements if you are taking thyroxine?....they are of doubtful therapeutic value.

If you are anaemic and you need iron then you have no choice but to take the iron with your thyroxine, but if you are not anaemic, why take iron?

I have never seen this in practise, but I suppose iron supplements could impair the action of thyroxine, so as others say, take them at different times.

[Ice.Maiden]

Yep, and calcium interferes with the absoption as well, sp providing you get both minerals in your diet, I have to agree with Sqad that I can't see the point of taking supplements unless specifically advised.

[puzzfuzz]

Hi,

I too am on levothyroxine and I have never been told this but it may be the case?. I don't really take any suppliments however just eat healthily and that should do. Good luck!