Relationship of thiamine and thyroid
Above on this thread, I have seen some interest in the relationship of thyroid and B1.
I think my consistent "normal" T4 but low T3 readings were the result of low thiamine
@Gondwanaland , may I suggest following mechanism?
B1 increases thyroid hormones (possibly by turnover from T4 to active form T3... the specifics aren't important).
So I did a quick search on google scholar.
The original publication on which the webpage
thyroidpharmacist is based
is a low quality subjective mini-report on 3 patients. It has no control group and there is no objective end point. For anyone not versed in research: 'why are such typical critical ivory tower comments important when I just want to get better?' The problem is that you can give any patients a shiny white pill, say some very important and reassuring words, wear a white coat and own a clinic, and some patients will report that they feel better.
Then, the same author published nearly the same text for just any disease. (Thanks
@Emootje !! )
So, here somebody is producing a lot of papers
. But in spite of all this, it is my belief that he says something true, important and useful: in whatever fatiguing disease, B1 could be a good idea to try to improve fatigue (and other doctors should learn this!!)
But actually we do not need science for that: what matters is our own improvement
...but could there be any relationship specifically to thyroid? Yes. In a quick search, I just found this old paper, which seems nevertheless a competent review. I cite some interesting points.
Interrelations between thyroid function and vitamin metabolism.
Reports on the effect of vitamin B1 deficiency are various, and no definite conclusion can at present be drawn. Certain authors show no effect of vitamin B1 deficiency on the thyroid gland, and in other cases the possibility of an iodine deficiency is not ruled out.
Experimental hyperthyroidism increases the requirements for vitamins A, C, B1 and B6 and pantothenic acid, and if these increased requirements are not met, a relative deficiency of the vitamins will ensue.
The maintenance of bodyweight is due to the increase in food intake that occurs when the increased requirements for the B vitamins are met. Such animals will also maintain normal oestrous cycles.
In Graves' disease there is increased urinary excretion of vitamin B1, and most authors have reported benefit from administration of vitamin B1 and yeast, though one paper reported no effect.
- so what does all this mean? Most of all, thyroid seems to drain vitamins, including B1.
Then, here is a newer paper: Thyroid hormones decrease resorption of B1!
Thiamine Intestinal Transport and Related Issues: Recent Aspects
I posted these for you guys, for your interest in thyroid and thiamine. Thankfully, my own thyroid is largely ok
. I leave it to you to look for newer research. It is as simple as heading to
scholar. PS:
@gefinauser : i like your mechanism-idea. Why not make our own small study? Just all the people here post thyroid labs before and on thiamine
My labs confirm your idea.