Over-the-Counter (FTC) Thyroid Support Supplements

The prevalence of thyroid disorders today has provided an opportunity for enterprising marketers to mass-produce over-the-counter thyroid supplements. At first glance, the availability of these supplements may seem advantageous for anyone with thyroid problems.

However, the widespread sale of over-the-counter thyroid supplements may soon change, as researchers have discovered that some products may do more harm than good for some. The following are some details of the thyroid supplement study.

Why Thyroid Support Supplements Are Regulated By The FDA

A variety of thyroid support pills contain the hormones T3 triiodothyronine and T4 thyroxine. The use of these hormonal pills has been regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration, which means they can only be used in prescription drugs and if used incorrectly can lead to palpitations, faster heart rate, and other irregularities. cardiac. Improper use of these thyroid support pills has also been known to cause diarrhea and nervousness.

Animal derived with very high to zero T3 and T4 content

The researchers studied 10 thyroid hormone pills that were purchased commercially from different websites and stores, available without a prescription. Using high liquid chromatography, the researchers found that nine of the 10 pills tested contained T3. Five of these pills were found to deliver 50% more T3 than the body can normally produce on a daily basis. Four of the ten supplements contained T4, and some of them had double the normal amount an adult needs to take in a day.

Chromatography tests also showed that a tested supplement had no traces of T3 or T4 hormones. The other nine thyroid support pills contain hormones that were apparently obtained from severed animal thyroid glands. Researchers were concerned that some of these supplements contained doses that were too high compared to those prescribed by doctors for an individual thyroid patient.

Endocrinologist Victor Bernet, the lead researcher on the study, also revealed that these over-the-counter thyroid pills didn’t really help people find relief from fatigue or get rid of their excess weight. These symptoms were the main reasons buyers bought these products. Dr. Bernet said that for a normal person to lose weight he would have to take dangerously high doses of thyroid hormone pills.

These findings showed that there is a great need for further investigation and monitoring of over-the-counter thyroid supplement manufacturers, as well as a broad health and information campaign to make patients better oriented to the risks associated with taking thyroid pills. over the counter.

If you have been diagnosed with any thyroid problems, always consult your doctor first before taking any supplements and pills. Avoid relying solely on what these OTC supplements claim to do and always seek professional advice.

It is imperative to get a diagnosis of your specific problem before taking any medication, whether prescription or over-the-counter.