Spirulina & the Thyroid

Spirulina is a blue-green algae, and although it is a food, it is better known as a dietary supplement. It is commonly touted for all sorts of health-promoting purposes and sold in both powdered and capsule form. Due to its nutrient profile, spirulina may be beneficial for certain thyroid conditions, but no clinical studies have confirmed its usefulness for treating thyroid disorders.

Spirulina for Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism, an insufficient production of thyroid hormones, is caused by a variety of factors, among them an iodine deficiency. Consuming a diet that is too low in iodine can cause your thyroid gland to become sluggish. Although the introduction of iodized salt has reduced the likelihood of having an iodine deficiency, many pregnant women in the United States and people who consciously avoid iodized salt are still low in it. Since your body cannot make iodine, you need to get it from dietary sources, and spirulina is naturally very high in it. As such, natural health practitioners sometimes recommend spirulina to help treat hypothyroidism; however, this recommendation is based on anecdotal evidence alone.

Spirulina for Thyroid Health

Even though it has not yet been clinically proven to help fight hypothyroidism, the range of nutrients in spirulina make it a beneficial addition to a thyroid health-supporting diet. The potent antioxidant properties of spirulina may help prevent certain thyroid gland diseases by protecting the thyroid from the harmful effects of free radicals. Spirulina is also rich in a range of minerals including selenium, which is well-known for its thyroid-supporting properties. Finally, spirulina is an excellent source of protein and contains a healthy dose of vitamin B-12, which is helpful because many people with hypothyroidism are deficient in B-12.

• When Not to Take Spirulina

Some people are allergic to the iodine contained in spirulina, and you should talk to your doctor before self-medicating with it. This is especially important if you have a thyroid condition because too much iodine can be harmful for those with hyperthyroidism -- an overactive thyroid -- as well as those with Hashimoto’s disease, an immune system-related thyroid disorder. People who are most likely to benefit from spirulina are those with hypothyroidism or subclinical hypothyroidism, but even these people need to be careful, especially if they eat a lot of iodine-rich foods. A study published in 2012 in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" found that while iodine usually helps stimulate the thyroid, too much iodine -- more than about 800 micrograms per day -- can actually cause the thyroid to become less active.

Considerations

Always buy spirulina from a trusted brand because it can be contaminated with toxic substances. Also, depending on the water where it was grown, spirulina may contain high levels of heavy metals. A standard dose of spirulina for supporting health is 500 milligrams per day, but spirulina may interact with certain medications. People with the metabolic condition phenylketonuria should not take spirulina.

SSpirulina is a type of blue-green algae available as a dietary supplement in powdered, capsule or tablet form. According to MedlinePlus, spirulina is marketed as an alternative treatment for cardiovascular, digestive and immune system problems, but none of these claims are supported by scientific evidence. Like other sea vegetables such as seaweed, spirulina has a high concentration of iodine. If you have thyroid problems, talk to your doctor about what effect the iodine from spirulina supplementation may have on you.

Iodine Requirement

Most Americans get enough iodine from foods like iodized salt. However, vegans and strict vegetarians who don't consume iodized salt, seaweed or fish may become deficient. If your diet lacks iodine, your thyroid gland will not be able to produce adequate triiodothyronine, or T3, and thyroxine, or T4, essential thyroid hormones. Healthy adults need approximately 150 micrograms of iodine each day to prevent the development of goiter, or enlarged thyroid gland, and hypothyroidism. Pregnant women should have 220 micrograms daily and nursing women should consume 290 micrograms. A typical 3-gram dose of a commercial spirulina supplement supplies 15 micrograms of iodine, or 10 percent of the daily requirement for most men and women.

Effect on Hypothyroidism

Although being deficient in iodine may help cause hypothyroidism, the American Thyroid Association cautions that trying to rectify the disorder by consuming large doses of iodine -- including iodine supplied by sea vegetables like spirulina -- may worsen the symptoms of the condition. This is especially true if the hypothyroidism is caused by Hashimoto's disease, an autoimmune disorder in which thyroid tissue is attacked by the body's own immune cells. Excess iodine may stimulate these cells into increased action.

Effect on Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. This can cause insomnia, a rapid and irregular heartbeat, weight loss, anxiety, bulging eyes and goiter. Regularly consuming large doses of iodine-rich products like spirulina can contribute to the development of hyperthyroidism or exacerbate the disease's symptoms. People who have spent most of their lives consuming a diet relatively low in iodine can develop iodine-induced hyperthyroidism from even a moderate increase in their iodine consumption.

Expert Recommendations

Individuals with hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism need to be cautious about using any supplements like spirulina that are high in iodine, advises registered dietitian Cheryl Harris. If your doctor does say spirulina supplementation is a safe option for you, always adhere to her dosage recommendations. Over-the-counter supplements like spirulina aren't regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and may be contaminated by potentially poisonous bacteria and heavy metals. Look for brands that have been tested by an outside agency such as the U.S. Pharmacopeia.

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