Description

Clinical Applications

The thyroid gland produces two main iodine-containing hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones circulate in the bloodstream and work on every living tissue and cell to regulate metabolism and growth. Of the body’s iodine pool (about 15 mgs in adults), 80% is contained in the thyroid gland. Iodine is primarily used as a substrate for the manufacture of T4 and T3, and healthy iodine status is imperative for normal thyroid function and thyroid hormone biosynthesis. Because excessive iodine intake, like inadequate iodine intake, can negatively impact thyroid function, total supplementary and dietary iodine should be considered.

While the role of iodine has long been known, the mechanisms by which selenium exerts its beneficial effects on the thyroid gland have been elucidated more recently. The
interactive and complementary relationship between iodine and selenium has become an area of interest and research. For instance, in an animal study, it was observed that a high iodine intake in the presence of selenium deficiency may permit thyroid tissue damage as a result of low thyroidal glutathione peroxidase activity. It was further noted that even a low selenium intake helped normalize circulating T4 concentration in the presence of iodine deficiency. Evaluation of emerging data supports “selenostasis” as an important aspect of thyroid health.

MedCaps T3  features targeted nutrients and herbs that support healthy thyroid hormone biosynthesis. This combination may facilitate the expression of thyroid hormone genes. The addition of ashwagandha and guggul extract may aid in the conversion of thyroxine to triiodothyronine (T4 to T3) and may assist in maintaining healthy blood lipid levels already within the normal range.