Reprints
A single copy of this article may be reprinted for personal, noncommercial use only.
Soy: Does it worsen hypothyroidism?
By Mayo Clinic staffOriginal Article: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hyperthyroidism/AN00454
- With Mayo Clinic endocrinologist
Todd B. Nippoldt, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Todd B. Nippoldt, M.D.
Todd Nippoldt, M.D.
Dr. Todd Nippoldt is a board-certified specialist in internal medicine and endocrinology and metabolism. He has special expertise in the area of hormone disorders affecting the pituitary and adrenal glands as well as the testes and ovaries. He has been a member of the Mayo Clinic staff since 1988.
He's a consultant in the Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Nutrition and works with patients who have disorders of the hormone-producing glands. Common disorders include diabetes, thyroid problems, osteoporosis and elevated cholesterol levels.
He's also involved in andrology, the study of male hormonal disorders, male infertility and male sexual dysfunction, and is an assistant professor of medicine at College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic.
Dr. Nippoldt, a St. Paul, Minn., native, has also contributed to "Mayo Clinic Health Letter," the "Mayo Clinic Family Health Book" and a Mayo Clinic CD-ROM. He's a fellow in the American College of Physicians and a member of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, the American Society of Andrology, The Endocrine Society, The Pituitary Society and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists.
"I have found that those patients who have gone to the Internet and obtained accurate medical information come to their appointment with me very well informed, and the discussions regarding the evaluation and management of their condition are very productive and satisfying," he says.
"The key, however, is obtaining accurate medical information. As a medical editor, I hope to be able to ensure that accurate, relevant and up-to-date information is available for patients and their families."
Definition (1)
- Wilson's syndrome: An accepted medical diagnosis?
Symptoms (2)
- Thyroid disease: Can it affect a person's mood?
- Hypothyroidism: Does it cause joint pain?
Complications (1)
- Hypothyroidism symptoms: Can hypothyroidism cause eye problems?
Treatments and drugs (5)
- Hypothyroidism diet: Can certain foods increase thyroid function?
- Hypothyroidism: Should I take iodine supplements?
- Coconut oil: Can it cure hypothyroidism?
- see all in Treatments and drugs
Alternative medicine (1)
- Coconut oil: Can it cure hypothyroidism?
Free
E-newsletter
Subscribe to Housecall
Our weekly general interest
e-newsletter keeps you up to date
on a wide variety of health topics.
Mayo Clinic Housecall
Stay up to date on the latest health information.
What you get
- Free weekly e-newsletter
- Mayo Clinic expertise
- Recipes, tools and other helpful information
- We do not share your e-mail address
Question
Soy: Does it worsen hypothyroidism?
Is it true that people who have hypothyroidism should avoid soy?
Answer
from Todd B. Nippoldt, M.D.
Whether people who have hypothyroidism should avoid soy is a topic of considerable debate.
Hypothyroidism is generally treated with synthetic thyroid hormone — and soy has long been thought to interfere with the body's ability to absorb the medication. However, there's no evidence that people who have hypothyroidism should avoid soy completely.
If you have hypothyroidism, take thyroid hormone replacement as directed by your doctor — typically on an empty stomach. Generally, it's best to wait four hours after taking thyroid medication to consume any products that contain soy. The same guidelines apply to other products that may impair the body's ability to absorb thyroid medication, including high-fiber foods, iron and calcium supplements, and antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium.
Next questionHypothyroidism: Can calcium supplements interfere with treatment?
- ATA hypothyroidism booklet. American Thyroid Association. http://thyroid.org/patients/brochures/Hypothyroidism%20_web_booklet.pdf. Accessed Oct. 25, 2010.
- Thyroid hormone treatment FAQ. American Thyroid Association. http://www.thyroid.org/patients/faqs/hormonetreatment.html. Accessed Sept. 17, 2008.
- Teas J, et al. Seaweed and soy: Companion foods in Asian cuisine and their effects on thyroid function in American women. Journal of Medicinal Food. 2007;10:90.
- Temple LM. Hypothyroidism. In: Rakel D. Integrative Medicine. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/218699110-3/1053541569/1494/84.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2954-0..50041-7--cesec22_1914. Accessed Sept. 15, 2010.
- Synthroid (prescribing information). Chicago, Ill.: Abbott Laboratories; 2008. http://www.rxabbott.com/pdf/Synthroid.pdf. Accessed Sept. 21, 2010.
- Levothroid (prescribing information). St. Louis, Mo.: Forest Pharmaceuticals; 2005. http://www.frx.com/pi/Levothroid_pi.pdf. Accessed Sept. 21, 2010.
Find Mayo Clinic on