Levothyroxine and Supplements: What You Need to Know

Levothyroxine Supplements

for Optimal Health

It is important to understand how levothyroxine, a prescription medication, and supplements interact with one another in order to be sure that you are using them safely and effectively. Levothyroxine is a synthetic form of the thyroid hormone thyroxine or T4, and is used to treat thyroid disorders like hypothyroidism or an underactive thyroid. Taking levothyroxine with dietary supplements and vitamins can potentially have some significant effects on your health, and it’s important to understand why and when this should be done.

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Levothyroxine: What is It?

Levothyroxine is a synthetic form of the hormone thyroxine (T4) that is produced by the thyroid gland and necessary for the regulation of energy and metabolism in the body. Levothyroxine is a medication typically prescribed to treat an underactive thyroid and hypothyroidism.

How Do Supplements Interact with Levothyroxine?

It is important to understand that taking levothyroxine with certain supplements and vitamins can potentially interact with and interfere with absorption of the medication. This means that if you are taking levothyroxine and you also consume certain supplements or foods, the medication might not work as well and can fail to reduce your symptoms of hypothyroidism.

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Supplements You Should Avoid When Taking Levothyroxine.

If you are taking levothyroxine, you should avoid taking large doses of calcium, iron, multivitamins, magnesium, or selenium since these supplements can potentially interfere with the absorption of the medication.

Timing of When You Should Take Levothyroxine and Supplements.

One of the most important things to remember when taking levothyroxine and supplements is that they should be taken at least 4 hours apart from each other. To ensure that the medication is being properly absorbed, it is advisable to take the levothyroxine first and wait at least four hours before taking any supplements.

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Maintaining Optimal Health through Levothyroxine and Supplements

It is important to understand the potential interactions between levothyroxine and certain supplements and vitamins. Taking levothyroxine with dietary supplements can interfere with the absorption of the medication and if not taken correctly, can affect how well the medication works to reduce symptoms of hypothyroidism. To ensure that you are taking levothyroxine and supplements safely and properly, it is important to talk to your doctor and follow their dosing guidance. Doing this will help you maintain optimal health and reduce your risk of experiencing any adverse effects.

Keywords: Levothyroxine, Supplements, Hypothyroidism, Medication, Thyroxine, T4, Vitamin, Thyroid, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Selenium