Hypothyroidism & Nutrition : key points

Hypothyroidism is caused by insufficient secretion of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland or by the complete loss of its function. Many permanent or temporary conditions can reduce thyroid hormone secretion and cause hypothyroidism (1).

Source: https://www.healthstandnutrition.com/nutrition-for-hypothyroidism/

Classification of hypothyroidism

(according to the origin of cause)

(Simon, 2006; Aminoff, 2007; Elizabeth and Agabegi, 2008)

Source: (1)

Predisposing factors

genetic factors, environmental factors, gender (it is encountered in females more than in males), dietary pattern (1) (2).

Symptoms

Hypothyroidism produces many symptoms related to its effects on metabolism. Physical symptoms of hypothyroidism-related reduced metabolic rate include fatigue, slowed heart rate, intolerance to cold temperatures, inhibited sweating and muscle pain. Depression is a key psychological consequence of hypothyroidism and slow metabolism as well. For women, slow metabolism can cause increased menstruation and even impair fertility.

Weight gain and metabolic rate are intimately related. The weight gain can then lead to obesity, which carries its own serious health risks, including diabetes, heart disease and certain types of cancer.

Other side effects include impaired memory, gynecomastia, impaired cognitive function, puffy : face, hands and feet, slow heart rate, decreased sense of taste and smell, sluggish reflexes, decreased libido, hair loss, anemia, acute psychosis, elevated serum cholesterol, difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath, recurrent hypoglycemia, increased need for sleep, irritability, yellowing of the skin due to the failure of the body to convert beta-carotene to vitamin A, and impaired renal function (Onputtha, 2010).

Role of Nutrition

Thyroid function is closely linked to nutrition through the diet – gut – thyroid axis. Micronutrients such as iodine, selenium, iron, zinc, copper, magnesium, vitamin A, and vitamin B12 influence thyroid hormone synthesis and regulation throughout life. Dietary changes can alter the gut microbiota, leading not just to dysbiosis and micronutrient deficiency but also to changes in thyroid function through immunological regulation, nutrient absorption, and epigenetic changes. Nutritional imbalance can lead to thyroid dysfunction and/or disorders possibly contribute to autoimmune thyroid diseases and thyroid cancer, yet controversial issues. Understanding these relationships is important to rationalize a balanced diet, rich in essential micronutrients for maintaining thyroid health and preventing thyroid-related diseases (3).

References

(1) https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Osama-Ahmed/publication/231814713_Hypothyroidism/links/0912f50708251b792b000000/Hypothyroidism.pdf?origin=publication_detail&_tp=eyJjb250ZXh0Ijp7ImZpcnN0UGFnZSI6InB1YmxpY2F0aW9uIiwicGFnZSI6InB1YmxpY2F0aW9uRG93bmxvYWQiLCJwcmV2aW91c1BhZ2UiOiJwdWJsaWNhdGlvbiJ9fQ

Osama M. Ahmed and R. G. Ahmed, Beni-Suef University, Catholic University, Leuven, Beni-Suef University.

(2) https://nutritionguide.pcrm.org/nutritionguide/view/Nutrition_Guide_for_Clinicians/1342076/all/Hypothyroidism

(3) https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11314468/

Anna-Mariia Shulhai , Roberta Rotondo, Maddalena Petraroli ,Viviana Patianna , Barbara Predieri, Lorenzo Iughetti , Susanna Esposito , Maria Elisabeth Street, The Role of Nutrition on Thyroid Function, Nutrients. 2024 Jul 31;16(15):2496. doi: 10.3390/nu16152496, PMCID: PMC11314468. PMID: 39125376