Thyroid Research List
We don’t have a lack of information. We have a lack of accurate and valuable information. If you are interested in reading more about the actual published research, you can find the summary and the link to the research below.
Absorption
Factors Affecting Gastrointestinal Absorption of Levothyroxine: A Review
A study of studies, where the authors reviewed all the relevant published research relating to the factors that affect the gastrointestinal absorption of levothyroxine (synthetic T4). They found several factors that significantly impact absorption: gastrointestinal disorders (such as celiac disease, lactose intolerance, and H. pylori infection), soybeans, coffee, medications (such as cholestyramine, colesevelam, lanthanum, calcium carbonate, calcium citrate, calcium acetate, iron sulfate, ciprofloxacin, aluminum hydroxide, sevelamer, or proton pump inhibitors).
Gastrointestinal Malabsorption of Thyroxine
The authors examined the pharmacologic features of T4 preparations and their linkage with the intestinal absorption of the hormone. They also reviewed the interfering role of nutrients, foods, and drugs on T4 absorption within the gastric and intestinal levels, as well as the impact of gastrointestinal disorders on T4 treatment efficacy. They also listed the binding ingredients (excipients) of each T4 preparation and mentioned that these binding ingredients can also impact absorption rates.
Metabolism
Thyroid Hormone Regulation of Metabolism
The authors looked at thyroid hormones and their impact on metabolism. Thyroid hormones regulate metabolic processes essential for normal growth and development as well as regulating metabolism in the adult. Hyperthyroidism, excess thyroid hormone, promotes a hypermetabolic state characterized by increased resting energy expenditure, weight loss, reduced cholesterol levels, increased lipolysis, and gluconeogenesis. Hypothyroidism, reduced thyroid hormone levels, is associated with hypometabolism characterized by reduced resting energy expenditure, weight gain, increased cholesterol levels, reduced lipolysis, and reduced gluconeogenesis.
Gluten-free diet
Doubtful Justification of the Gluten-Free Diet in the Course of Hashimoto’s Disease
The popularization of the gluten-free diet brings with it a fashion for its use, which can harm the treatment of Hashimoto’s disease. The few studies in this regard do not confirm positive changes resulting from a gluten-free diet. At the same time, the presence of other comorbid autoimmune diseases in this group of patients is increasing. This may have important implications for the interpretation of test results and the need for a gluten-free diet in some patients. When analyzing the available literature, we found no basis for introducing a gluten-free diet for the standard management of Hashimoto patients. The recommended diet is instead an anti-inflammatory diet that levels the supply (to compensate for deficiencies) of vitamin D, iodine, and selenium, which are found in plant products rich in polyphenols, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids, as illustrated in this article.
Hair Loss
Zinc Deficiency Associated with Hypothyroidism: An Overlooked Cause of Severe Alopecia
Hypothyroidism is a common and well-recognized cause of diffuse hair loss. Zinc and other trace elements such as copper and selenium are required for the synthesis of thyroid hormones, and deficiency of these can result in hypothyroidism. Conversely, thyroid hormones are essential for the absorption of zinc, and hence hypothyroidism can result in acquired zinc deficiency. The hair loss attributed to hypothyroidism may not improve with thyroxine unless zinc supplements are added, as demonstrated in our case.
Nutrients
Zinc Deficiency Associated with Hypothyroidism: An Overlooked Cause of Severe Alopecia
Hypothyroidism is a common and well-recognized cause of diffuse hair loss. Zinc and other trace elements such as copper and selenium are required for the synthesis of thyroid hormones, and deficiency of these can result in hypothyroidism. Conversely, thyroid hormones are essential for the absorption of zinc, and hence hypothyroidism can result in acquired zinc deficiency. The hair loss attributed to hypothyroidism may not improve with thyroxine unless zinc supplements are added, as demonstrated in our case.
The relationship between iron status and thyroid hormone concentration in iron-deficient adolescent Iranian girls
Extensive data from animal and human studies indicate that iron deficiency impairs thyroid metabolism. The aim of this study was to determine thyroid hormone status in iron-deficient adolescent girls. Hematological indices for iron status confirmed that all subjects were iron-deficient. There was a significant correlation between T4 and ferritin and between TSH and ferritin. The results indicate that the degree of iron deficiency may affect thyroid hormone status in iron-deficient adolescent girls.