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Hypothyroidism: Can calcium supplements interfere with treatment?
By Mayo Clinic staffOriginal Article: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hypothyroidism/AN01181
- 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."
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Question
Hypothyroidism: Can calcium supplements interfere with treatment?
Can calcium supplements interfere with hypothyroidism treatment?
Answer
from Todd B. Nippoldt, M.D.
Yes. Calcium supplements — or antacids containing calcium — can interfere with the absorption of levothryoxine (Synthroid, Unithroid, others), a synthetic form of thyroid hormone.
This interference happens chiefly if you take levothyroxine and calcium supplements at or near the same time. You can avoid this problem with the following steps:
- Don't take calcium supplements or antacids at the same time you take levothyroxine.
- Take any products containing calcium at least four hours before or after taking levothyroxine.
Other supplements — especially those containing iron — can also interfere with absorption of levothyroxine, as can certain foods and medications. If your doctor prescribes levothyroxine, be sure to tell him or her about all the other drugs and supplements you're taking.
Next questionCoconut oil: Can it cure hypothyroidism?
- Viadya B, et al. Management of hypothyroidism in adults. BMJ. 2008;337:284.
- Zamfirescu I, et al. Absorption of levothyroxine when coadministered with various calcium formulations. Thyroid. 2011;21:483.
- Synthroid (prescribing information). North Chicago, Ill.: Abbott Laboratories; 2011. http://www.rxabbott.com/pdf/Synthroid.pdf. Accessed July 12, 2011.
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