Calcium and Thyroid Health
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body, essential for bone density, nerve function, and muscle contraction. Its relevance in thyroid disease is twofold: protecting bone-mineral-density and managing medication interactions.
Why Calcium Matters in Hyperthyroidism
Long-standing untreated hyperthyroidism accelerates bone turnover, reducing bone-mineral-density and increasing risk of osteoporosis and fracture. Adequate calcium intake (along with vitamin-d) helps protect bone during and after the hyperthyroid period.
Food Sources
- Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt) — primary source; also high in iodine
- Broccoli, kale, bok choy
- Fortified orange juice
- Semi-skimmed or skimmed milk (high in calcium despite lower fat)
Interaction with Levothyroxine
Calcium-rich foods and supplements interfere with levothyroxine absorption. A four-hour gap between calcium intake and levothyroxine dosing is recommended to prevent significant impact on blood thyroxine levels.
Supplementation
If dietary calcium is insufficient (especially on a low-iodine-diet that restricts dairy), supplementation may be necessary. Always take at least four hours apart from thyroid medication.