The Impact of Nutrition on Hashimoto Thyroiditis Patients: An Overview

The article reviewed the impact of nutrition on Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease causing hypothyroidism, particularly in middle-aged women. It emphasized that both deficiencies and excesses of nutrients like iodine and vitamin D could worsen symptoms. Over 90% of patients had vitamin D deficiency, though its role in the disease was unclear. Selenium and vitamin B12 were also important, with selenium being beneficial in deficient individuals but harmful in excess. Goitrogens in cruciferous vegetables and soy could impair thyroid function, though cooking reduced these effects. Certain foods and supplements, such as calcium and coffee, could interfere with levothyroxine absorption, highlighting the need for careful dietary management. Despite traditional hormone therapy, symptoms often persisted, indicating a need for more comprehensive treatment approaches.