Question:
I am a hypothyroid patient. I have been taking 150mcg of eltroxin for the past 10yrs. Does this have any implication? Is it true that this can cause calcium depletion and eventually lead to osteoporosis? Do I need to take a calcium supplement, and for how long?
Answer:
Calcium Deficiency Symptoms
Clinical studies and research indicate that the use of eltroxin (Levothyroxine) can deplete the calcium levels in the body. It is recommended that 1000 mg of calcium supplements per day should help maintain normal calcium levels of the body. However it is recommended that they be taken at a gap of two hours from the thyroid medication to avoid interaction.
Calcium deficiency can result in osteoporosis and hence supplementation is essential. However, calcium soy supplements need to be avoided. Studies have suggested that ingestion of soy can reduce the absorption of the hormone. Hence, soy based products have to be avoided or should be taken at an interval of three to four hours from the medication in order to avoid interaction.
Here are a few tips:
- Avoid taking the hormone with food. It should be ideally taken a few hours before or after meal, ideally on empty stomach
- The hormone should be taken at the same time each day
- High fiber diet can interfere with the absorption of levothyroxine and hence should be avoided.
- Iron enhances the absorption of the hormone and hence iron supplements could be highly beneficial. However, try to space the intake of iron supplements and eltroxin.
- Related Topics
- Calcium And Vitamin D Rich Vegetables: Fruits, Greens High In Calcium
- Calcium Deficiency Symptoms in Kids | Calcium Rich Foods, Fruits
- Calcium And Heart Attacks Risk: Calcium Supplements And Heart Disease
- Iron Rich Food and Diet | Read Food That Contains More Iron
- Calcium Health Benefits | Diet for Hypocalcemia, Low Calcium Level
