Iodine Supplements for Hypothyroid Vegans
jayjay12345654321
Posts: 653 Member
I posted a question similar to this one in the Herbivore group asking if any vegans needed to use iodine supplements, but I wanted to post it here as well specifically because I have a double whammy with iodine being an already hypothyroid vegan.
I eat soy and whole flaxseed, which both contain iodine, but obviously no dairy products. Seaweed snacks on occasion once or twice a month. I don't go in for bloodwork again for a few months, so I was wondering if anyone else hypoT has been told by their doctor to take iodine or not to take it? I saw that Liqui-kelp is organic and all natural and only $5 for a tiny 2 oz. bottle that lasts 8 months.
Current medications: wrapping up the last of levothyroxine and Cytomel and transitioning to Armour this month.
I eat soy and whole flaxseed, which both contain iodine, but obviously no dairy products. Seaweed snacks on occasion once or twice a month. I don't go in for bloodwork again for a few months, so I was wondering if anyone else hypoT has been told by their doctor to take iodine or not to take it? I saw that Liqui-kelp is organic and all natural and only $5 for a tiny 2 oz. bottle that lasts 8 months.
Current medications: wrapping up the last of levothyroxine and Cytomel and transitioning to Armour this month.
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... apparently I need a new doctor I've never been told anything regarding anything on this. really sucks big time..need a specialist!0
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My endocrinologist said I don't have to eat anything special or avoid any foods.
According to the Mayo Clinic http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypothyroidism/expert-answers/hypothyroidism-iodine/faq-20057929It is true that severe iodine deficiency can cause hypothyroidism. But iodine deficiency is rare in the United States and other developed countries since the addition of iodine to salt (iodized salt) and other foods.
If iodine deficiency isn't the cause of hypothyroidism, then iodine supplements provide no benefit.0 -
... apparently I need a new doctor I've never been told anything regarding anything on this. really sucks big time..need a specialist!
Babynew, here's some reading you can do on iodine and veganism from The Vegan Society if you'd like it http://www.vegansociety.com/lifestyle/nutrition/iodine.aspx
Editorgrrl, thanks for letting me know. Mine told me to avoid gluten because the molecule is easily mistaken for that in the thyroid, and if I should so happen to be slightly gluten intolerant without realizing it, I'll only trigger an auto-immune attack on my thyroid any time I consume gluten. It was some "just in case" advice. But we didn't discuss iodine. Unfortunately, the May Clinic info doesn't apply to raw vegans.0 -
You eat iodized salt, don't you? This study suggests you might need supplements: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/10341675/?i=5&from=/12748410/related
But the only way to know for sure is to talk to your doctor.0
