Zinc's link to Hashimoto's thyroiditisAssociation Between Essential Trace Elements and Thyroid Antibodies in the Blood of Women with Newly Diagnosed Hashimoto's Thyroiditis.
Limited focus on zinc treatment
We explored the connection between essential trace elements, particularly zinc, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) in women who were newly diagnosed. In this study, we looked at a group of 56 women with HT and compared them to 64 matched controls.
The results showed that women with HT had significantly lower levels of selenium, iron, and zinc in their blood compared to the controls. Interestingly, their copper levels were higher. We examined the relationships between these trace elements and thyroid autoantibodies, which can indicate the presence of autoimmune activity affecting the thyroid.
While we noted a significant correlation between lower zinc (and other elements) and higher levels of thyroid antibodies, the study did not specifically focus on zinc treatment. This means that while zinc levels appear to be linked to autoantibody levels in HT, we can't definitively state that zinc treatment will improve the condition without further dedicated research.
Overall, the study indicates that lower zinc levels in conjunction with selenium and iron deficiencies might be involved in the autoimmune response seen in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Thus, this provides an avenue for future exploration into zinc's role as a potential supplement for women diagnosed with this condition.
Read More
Zinc may aid Hashimoto's treatmentThe Role of Selected Trace Elements in Oxidoreductive Homeostasis in Patients with Thyroid Diseases.
Some relevance due to combined treatments
We explored how zinc supplementation may affect individuals with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. This condition, known for its negative impact on thyroid function, frequently coincides with oxidative stress, which can worsen symptoms and disease progression. While our focus was primarily on zinc, it’s important to mention that other treatments were also present in the studies we reviewed.
In certain studies, zinc supplementation was reported to lower levels of malondialdehyde, a marker associated with oxidative damage. This decrease suggests an overall improvement in oxidative stress levels among those with Hashimoto’s. Furthermore, we observed that with zinc intake, the overall antioxidant status of the body may also improve, which can potentially enhance the health of the thyroid and alleviate some symptoms.
However, while these findings are promising, they do not indicate that zinc alone can prevent or cure Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. More research is necessary to fully understand the role of zinc and whether its effects are significant enough to warrant its use as a standalone treatment. Nonetheless, supporting dietary intake of this trace element could play a part in managing the condition, alongside medical advice.
Read More