Locations:
Search IconSearch

Should You Take Supplements for Hyperthyroidism?

Only take supplements recommended by your healthcare provider — others can worsen your condition

Assorted foods with selenium on plates and in bowls, with chalkboard with SE on it

If you have hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), your body makes too much thyroid hormone. That speeds up your metabolism and can cause issues like heart palpitations, weakness, shakiness, trouble sleeping and more.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

It’s natural to want to find remedies to make you feel your best. And some people will turn to supplements for hyperthyroidism in an effort to feel better.

But some thyroid supplements are better choices than others. And if you do take supplements, how much you take can matter, too.

We asked endocrinologist Ravali Veeramachaneni, MD, for her advice about common supplements people take for hyperthyroidism.

What to know about hyperthyroidism supplements

It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that supplements are safe. They’re sold over the counter everywhere, from grocery stores to vitamin shops and countless websites. And the claims can be very convincing.

The trouble is that you don’t always know what’s in those bottles. And that disclaimer on vitamins — This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease — it’s there for a reason.

No self-selected supplement should ever take the place of doctor-prescribed medication or other personalized advice from a trusted healthcare provider.

And when you’re living with hyperthyroidism, some of those “thyroid health” supplements you see on the shelves aren’t going to be right for you. So, always check with a healthcare provider first.

Advertisement

Dr. Veeramachaneni offers suggestions on supplements to avoid and what supplements to ask your provider about.

Supplements to avoid

People with hyperthyroidism shouldn’t take certain supplements, including ones that are marketed as supporting healthy thyroid function. They can worsen your condition.

Iodine

People with hyperthyroidism should not be taking iodine, which is a common ingredient in many thyroid health supplements.

“Iodine is important to thyroid health, but iodine deficiency isn’t common in the U.S. and other parts of the world where foods are commonly fortified with iodine,” Dr. Veeramachaneni explains.

Increasing your iodine intake with supplements can mean making even more thyroid hormone. Which isn’t the goal for people with hyperthyroidism.

“When you take iodine supplements, you risk making even more hormone and worsening your condition,” she warns.

The logical question, then, is, Should I cut iodine out of my diet?

The short answer? No.

“Iodine is so prevalent in our food supply that removing it from your diet is too restrictive to be healthy for most people,” Dr. Veeramachaneni advises.

L-tyrosine supplements

L-tyrosine can help to increase thyroid hormone production.

“So, when you’re already living with an overactive thyroid, it can just add more to the mix,” Dr. Veeramachaneni shares. “You don’t want any more thyroid hormone than you’re already making.”

L-tyrosine is an amino acid, meaning it’s a building block for protein. It helps your body produce enzymes, melanin and thyroid hormone, among other jobs.

Some people take L-tyrosine supplements to improve memory, lower stress and improve symptoms of depression. You’ll also find it as a common ingredient in thyroid health supplements. But if you have hyperthyroidism, it should be avoided.

Supplement to consider

Selenium is an essential mineral that supports a healthy thyroid gland, and your healthcare provider may recommend it for hyperthyroidism. But you don’t need much of it.

Recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for selenium:

  • 55 micrograms (mcg) for adults age 19 and older.
  • 60 mcg for people who are pregnant.
  • 70 mcg for people who are lactating.

Most people are getting plenty of selenium in their diets. But if you have hyperthyroidism or thyroid eye disease, your provider may suggest a selenium supplement, up to 200 mcg.

Bottom line?

If you’re living with hyperthyroidism, know that treatment is available to help you manage your condition and live a healthy life. But talk with your healthcare provider before taking any supplements.

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Wooden bowl of white yogurt next to wooden spoon of white capsules
January 30, 2025/Nutrition
When Should I Take Probiotics for Best Results?

Taking your probiotics in the morning with food is a great strategy — but consistency is key

Orange capsules poured out of a bottle
January 17, 2025/Heart Health
Taking a Statin? Here’s Why You Don’t Need CoQ10 Supplements

There’s not enough evidence to show that this supplement has any effect on muscle aches from cholesterol-lowering meds

Orange plate of bright green sea moss
January 6, 2025/Nutrition
8 Potential Health Benefits of Sea Moss

This spiny sea veggie may help your heart, gut, immune system and more

Tan tablets pouring from bottle into a hand
December 24, 2024/Sleep
Does Magnesium Help You Sleep Better?

Research is limited on whether the supplement can help you snooze, and there may be better options

Wooden spoonful of activated charcoal tablets and capsules, and small dish of loose activated charcoal
December 2, 2024/Digestive
Should You Take Activated Charcoal for a Stomach Bug (or Any Other Reason)?

Charcoal pills are used in certain emergency room settings but aren’t recommended for home use

Personal care products with labels lined up, with oversized magnifying glass showing the word parabens on a label
November 20, 2024/Diabetes & Endocrinology
Should You Worry About Parabens?

These chemicals, found in products like shampoo, shaving cream and processed foods, may affect your health

Caregiver giving young toddler a bath in plastic baby tub, with rubber duckies all around
November 18, 2024/Diabetes & Endocrinology
Should You Avoid Phthalates?

Check the plastic and personal care products in your home for these hormone-disrupting chemicals

Smiling person walking dog, with autumn trees and leaves on ground
November 18, 2024/Diabetes & Endocrinology
5 Strategies To Increase Insulin Sensitivity

Exercising more, eating healthier and managing weight can significantly improve insulin sensitivity

Trending Topics

Person in bed sleeping on their side, covers off
Breathing Problems? Try These Sleep Positions

If you’re feeling short of breath, sleep can be tough — propping yourself up or sleeping on your side may help

A couple looking at skyline, with one person slightly behind the other, head bent down
What Is Anxious Attachment Style — and Do You Have It?

If you fear the unknown or find yourself needing reassurance often, you may identify with this attachment style

Glasses and bottle of yellow-colored prebiotic soda, with mint, lemon and ginger garnish
Are Prebiotic Sodas Good for You?

If you’re looking to boost your gut health, it’s better to get fiber from whole foods

Ad