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Clinicians Thyroid Support Plus | 60 Capsules

Clinicians Thyroid Support Plus | 60 Capsules

$30.39
$30.39
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Clinicians Thyroid Support Plus 

What is Thyroid Support Plus?

Thyroid Support Plus is a blend of natural ingredients that work together to support healthy thyroid and adrenal function.  Thyroid Support Plus promotes healthy metabolism and energy levels by supporting thyroid hormone production. 

Why use Thyroid Support Plus?

The thyroid gland plays a vital role in how the body uses energy, regulates temperature, metabolises nutrients, and controls growth and development. These important physiological processes are regulated by thyroid hormone. Thyroid Support Plus is a blend of vitamins, minerals and amino acids, with the addition of a specific herbal ingredient that work together to support healthy thyroid and adrenal function. Thyroid Support Plus promotes healthy metabolism and energy levels by supporting thyroid hormone production.

What are the Key Benefits of Thyroid Support Plus?

  • Combined formula to promote healthy thyroid function 
  • Natural vitamins, minerals and amino acids to support thyroid hormone production
  • Ingredients contain herbal extract formula to support adrenal gland function
  • Does not contain sugar or artificial sweeteners
  • Does not contain added colours, flavours, preservatives, gluten, wheat or dairy

What is the thyroid gland?

The thyroid gland is a small but important gland that sits either side of the windpipe and produces two important hormones, one of which is thyroid hormone and the other is calcitonin, that regulates calcium metabolism. Thyroid hormone, also known as thyroxine, exists in two forms; levothyroxine or T4 and liothyronine or T3. T4 is the inactive form of thyroid hormone that circulates in the blood and is converted to its active form T3, by deiodination or removal of an iodine moiety (part of a molecule) by the enzyme deiodinase, when T4 binds to a thyroid hormone receptor on the cells of its target tissue including the liver, kidney and other tissues of the body. In these tissues, T3 stimulates the production of specific proteins that regulates how the body metabolises nutrients, uses energy, controls body temperature, and controls growth and development. Thyroid hormone synthesis needs iodine, and if iodine is deficient this can result in low levels of thyroid hormone, which can cause serious health problems. Thyroglobulin is the major protein produced by thyroid cells and is a precursor for the synthesis of thyroid hormone. Iodine binds to tyrosine, a predominant amino acid in thyroglobulin to produce thyroid hormone, and a proportion of the bound iodine is cut off, the remainder being stored as iodine reserves in the thyroid cells. Production of thyroid hormone is under the regulation of another hormone called thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), which is produced by the pituitary gland in the base of the brain in the area called the hypothalamus and stimulates the thyroid cells to produce thyroid hormone when levels are low. When thyroid hormone levels begin to increase, TSH production is blocked, in a feedback mechanism that maintains steady levels of thyroid hormone in the blood1, 2.

What is hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism is low levels of thyroid hormone and can be due to several factors, including iodine deficiency in the diet and autoimmune disease, where the immune system attacks self (see below). Symptoms of hypothyroidism include: tiredness, muscle weakness, cramps, feeling cold, a slow heart rate, dry and flaky skin, hair loss, a deep husky voice, weight gain, constipation, depression, joint or muscle pain and menstrual disturbances.

What is thyroid goitre?

Thyroid goitre, also known as non-toxic goitre, is an enlargement of the thyroid gland causing a visible swelling in the neck. It can be caused by several factors, including a deficiency in iodine in the diet, or by autoimmune disease. Grave’s disease is a condition where autoantibodies bind to receptors for TSH and stimulate thyroid cells to grow, resulting in overproduction of thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism) and swelling of the thyroid gland. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is another autoimmune disease that causes destruction of thyroid cells and loss of their ability to produce thyroid hormone, resulting in hypothyroidism, which in turn increases production of TSH causing overgrowth of the thyroid gland, as more cells are produced to compensate for lack of thyroid hormone.

What is the adrenal gland?

The adrenal glands are small endocrine glands, situated above each kidney, that produce a range of hormones. The adrenal cortex produces the glucocorticoid steroid hormone cortisol that plays an important role in many physiological processes such as regulating metabolism, sugar levels, and the response to stress, and is often referred to as the stress hormone. The adrenal cortex also produces the mineralocorticoid steroid hormone aldosterone that regulates blood salt and water content and blood pressure and the male hormone testosterone. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) regulates the release of several of these hormones by the adrenal glands. The adrenal medulla produces catecholamines like adrenaline and noradrenaline that initiates the “fight or flight” responses.

Is there a link between adrenal and thyroid hormones in regulating metabolism?

There is some clinical evidence to suggest that there is a link between the adrenal and thyroid gland in regulating metabolism. Production of both cortisol and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) are regulated by the body’s circadian rhythm, one being high while the other being low. Studies where hydrocortisone was given to patients with adrenal insufficiency (known as Addison’s disease where the adrenal gland produces low levels of cortisol) indicated a relationship between low levels of cortisol and high levels of TSH3. This may suggest that if cortisol levels remain high, such as under chronic stress, this lowers TSH production which results in reduced thyroid hormone production by the thyroid gland.

What are the ingredients of Thyroid Support Plus?

Each gelatin capsule of Thyroid Support Plus contains:
  • Withania somnifera (extract equivalent whole herb 3750mg
  • standardised to NLT 2.25mg withanolides)
  • Vitamin A (from retinol acetate) 1500IU 450mcg
  • Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) 2.5mg
  • Vitamin B3 (nicotinamide) 7.5mg
  • Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine HCI) 3.1mg
  • Vitamin B12 (as cyanocobalamin) 25mcg
  • Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) 125mg
  • Vitamin D3 (as cholecalciferol) 400IU
  • Copper (from copper gluconate) 250mcg
  • Iodine (potassium iodide) 75mcg
  • Selenium (from selenomethionine) 50mcg
  • Zinc (from zinc amino acid chelate) 7.5mg
  • L-Tyrosine 250mg
Also contains:

Thyroid Support Plus capsules also contain magnesium stearate and silica dioxide.

Key Ingredients:

Withania somnifera

Withania somnifera, also known as Ashwagandha, Indian Ginseng and Winter Cherry, is a small perennial herb belonging to the nightshade family that grows in hot dry climates. Extract of Withania root has been used in traditional herbal medicine, particularly Ayurvedic or traditional Indian medicine for thousands of years for its rejuvenating and restorative properties. It is still used for treating a variety of clinical conditions including anxiety, degenerative diseases, diseases of the immune system, due to its wide-ranging properties including anti-microbial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour, anti-stress, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, and anti-diabetic properties4, 5. Withania is known as an adaptogen, which is a plant that helps the body manage the physiological effects of stress and adapt to the changes experienced6. The anti-stress action of Withania has been demonstrated in several in vitro and animal studies and supported by a clinical study in subjects with a history of chronic stress. The outcomes of this study demonstrated reduced stress levels in response to taking a root extract of Withania, including reduced blood levels of cortisol7. Thyroid enhancing properties of Withania extract were demonstrated in a group of patients with bipolar disorder. As well as improving cognitive function, Withania extract increases thyroid hormone levels, supporting the suggestion that an imbalance in the axis between the hypothalamus, pituitary and thyroid glands may contribute to depressive and bipolar disorders8. The major bioactive constituents of Withania are a group of natural steroidal lactones known as withanolides, particularly Withaferin A, which has been widely studied in many biological systems. Withanolides are thought to be responsible for the many medicinal properties of the Withania herb9, 10.

Vitamins

Vitamins are organic micronutrient that are needed in small amount for normal functioning of all the body’s processes. Vitamins are mostly plant based and can only be obtained from the diet, with the exception of vitamin B 12, which is synthesised by good bacteria in the intestines. Vitamin D also known as cholecalciferol, is obtained from the diet and converted to its active form, 1, 25 dihydroxy vitamin D, in the liver and then the kidney. It is also produced in the skin by the action of sunlight on a precursor molecule 7-dehydrocholesterol. Vitamin A is also converted from its inactive form retinol to retinoic acid in the body. Some vitamins like A, D and E are fat soluble and can remain in the body stored in fatty tissues and in the liver. Water soluble vitamins like vitamin B and C cannot be stored and if not used are excreted in the urine. Vitamin deficiencies can result in a many health issues, and a range of vitamins including vitamin A, several of the vitamin B family, and vitamins C and D are essential for promoting thyroid health11, 12.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is an essential micronutrient for growth and development in children and for many aspects of metabolism and physiology in adults including vision, immune function and brain function. Vitamin A also supports cell growth and differentiation, which is vital for development and maintenance of our organs and glands. Vitamin A is obtained from the diet as retinol from meat, fish and dairy products and from plant carotenoids which are provitamins and converted to vitamin A in the body. Both forms of vitamin A are converted to retinoic acid, which is the active form. Retinoic acid plays an important role in maintaining a healthy thyroid and is needed for iodine uptake for production of thyroid hormone. In children with hypothyroidism, supplementation with vitamin A increased iodine uptake and TSH stimulated levels of thyroid hormone. Vitamin A also is also involved in the interaction between the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, which produce hormones that regulate thyroid function; also, vitamin A moderates the effect of thyroid hormone at its target site by interacting with its receptor. Overall studies indicate a role for vitamin A at several levels of thyroid function13, 14.

Vitamin B family

The B vitamins are a family of water soluble vitamins that play important roles in many essential physiological processes and act as cofactors for an array of enzymes, many of which are involved in various aspects of metabolism including energy production. B vitamins are needed for all aspects of cell growth and metabolism, therefore, healthy thyroid function is dependent on ensuring the body has access to sufficient amounts of B vitamin15.

  • Vitamin B2, also known as riboflavin, is an important coenzyme for energy production; growth and development and metabolism of fats, drugs, and steroids. 
  • Vitamin B3, also known as nicotinamide, is an essential co-factor in mitochondrial aerobic respiration for energy production and is essential for nerve development and function of the central nervous system. 
  • Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, is a cofactor for many enzymes that perform many metabolic functions throughout the body and is involved in energy production, immune function and formation of red blood cells. Animal studies have shown that vitamin B6 deficiency leads to hypothyroidism due to reduced thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) levels. TRH is a hormone produced in the hypothalamus involved in a feedback loop regulating thyroid hormone production. Studies have indicated that vitamin B6 supplementation may improve symptoms of thyroid disease11. 
  • Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin as it contains the mineral cobalt. Cyanocobalamin is a synthetic form of vitamin B12 that is used in supplements. Vitamin B12 is essential for red blood cell formation and for nerve function. Evidence from clinical studies indicates that deficiency in vitamin B12 is associated with thyroid dysfunction in patients with autoimmune thyroid disease16, and hypothyroidism. Vitamin B12 is involved in homocysteine metabolism, and levels of homocysteine correlate with thyroid hormone levels. Studies indicate a role for vitamin B12 in regulating thyroid hormone levels17, 18. 
Vitamin C

Free radicles cause oxidative stress and cell damage and are produced in cells due to normal metabolic processes and due to environmental pollutants like ozone and cigarette smoke. Defective production of thyroid hormone can also cause oxidative stress. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and an association has been found between low levels of vitamin C and benign thyroid disease, possibly in relation to reduced oxidative stress, although the mechanism of this association of vitamin C and thyroid disease has not been clarified19. In another study, patients with hypothyroidism were found to have improved levels of thyroid hormone in response to Vitamin C20.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D, also known as cholecalciferol, is a fat soluble vitamin that is converted to its active form, 1, 25 dihydroxy vitamin D, in the liver and then the kidney. Vitamin D is important for bone and calcium metabolism and also for normal functioning of the immune system. Low levels have been found to be associated with autoimmune thyroid disease, such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves’s Disease. There is also evidence for an association of deficient vitamin D and development of thyroid cancer21, 22.

Iodine and Selenium

Both iodine and selenium are essential micronutrients for normal thyroid function and production of active thyroid hormone. A deficiency in either of these micronutrients can contribute to thyroid problems such as hypothyroidism and thyroid goitre. A deficiency in both iodine and selenium can have serious consequences in growth and development.

Iodine

Iodine is a critical micronutrient for the synthesis of thyroid hormone (thyroxine or T4 which comprises 65% iodine). Foods that are rich in iodine include seafood, fish, seaweed, dairy products and eggs. Since iodine is often deficient in the diet, measures have been taken to increase dietary iodine by fortifying salt and bread with iodine. Iodine is absorbed in the intestine and is transported into thyroid follicular cells as iodide molecules, where it is oxidised into iodine and concentrates inside thyroid cells to be used in the synthesis of thyroid hormone. Most newly synthesised thyroid hormone is produced as inactive T4, which is converted to active T3 by the action of the enzyme deiodinase, a selenium dependant enzyme23, 24.

Selenium

Selenium is an important trace element that cannot be synthesised in the body and can only be obtained from the diet. Selenium is rich in cereal grains, soybeans, legumes and Brazil nuts. The amount of selenium in the soil varies and in many parts of the world, including New Zealand, is very low. Selenium is an essential micronutrient for the synthesis of selenocysteine containing selenoproteins required for normal thyroid function. These include the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase that protect cells from oxidative stress, and iodothyronine deiodinase that converts thyroid hormone (T4) into its active form (T3). Availability of selenium is therefore, responsible for the amount of active T3 in the blood25, 26, 27, 28. Selenium concentrates in the thyroid gland where it is found in higher amounts than other tissues29. Thyroid levels of selenium are thought to be associated with various thyroid conditions. Selenium levels were measured in whole blood and thyroid tissue of patients with various thyroid disorders, including Graves' disease, (an autoimmune disease resulting in over production of thyroid hormone), Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid gland), goitre (enlarged thyroid gland) and thyroid cancer. The lowest levels of selenium were found in thyroid tissue from thyroid cancer, although the blood levels were high, indicating that low tissue levels of selenium may increase risk of thyroid cancer26, 30.

Zinc and Copper

Zinc is an essential micronutrient that is only found in the diet and is rich in foods like seafood (especially oysters), lean red meat, chicken, wholegrain cereals, beans, lentils, seeds, and dairy. Zinc is needed for many physiological processes including normal functioning of the immune system, central nervous system, reproductive system and digestive system. At the cellular and biochemical level, zinc is needed for gene expression, protein synthesis, cell division and growth, enzyme activity and hormone regulation and is a cofactor for many enzymes including the antioxidant superoxide dismutase31. Zinc plays an important role in several areas of thyroid hormone function. It is an essential cofactor in the activity of the deiodinase enzyme that converts inactive T4 into active T3, and for interaction of thyroid hormone with its receptors32. Copper is another important mineral in thyroid function being required for regulation of thyroid hormone as a cofactor in the synthesis of tyrosine, which is a major component of thyroglobulin33. Blood levels of zinc were found to be associated with thyroid dysfunction32. Blood and thyroid levels of zinc were compared in patients with various thyroid diseases. The lowest levels were found in the thyroid of Graves’ disease, were there is overproduction of thyroid hormone and the lowest levels in tissue from thyroid cancer, whereas the reverse was found for blood zinc levels34. In another study copper, zinc and selenium were measured and high levels of copper and zinc in blood but low concentrations of both zinc and selenium in thyroid tissue were thought to be associated with increased risk of thyroid cancer26. Levels of zinc and copper were measured in blood from patients with hypothyroidism and decreased levels of zinc and copper were found to be associated with hypothyroidism33.

L-Tyrosine

Tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid which means that it is not dependant on dietary intake for its supply to the body but can be synthesised by the body, in this case tyrosine is synthesised by transamination from phenylalanine. Tyrosine is an essential building block for several proteins including thyroglobulin, the thyroid hormone precursor. Thyroglobulin contains a large number of tyrosine residues, which bind iodine during the synthesis of thyroid hormone. L-tyrosine is a synthetic form of tyrosine that is often used in supplements.

What are the Contraindications/Interactions of Thyroid Support Plus?

You should always check the ingredients for known allergies and to ensure you do not have any allergies or sensitivities to these ingredients. Stop using if you develop any irritation or allergy while taking Thyroid Support Plus. Always read the label and use as directed or seek advice from your healthcare professional.

Caution:

  • Iodine may affect the anticoagulant effect of anticoagulants medications like warfarin. 
  • Iodine, Withania and tyrosine can interfere with the efficacy of thyroid medication. 

You should consult your doctor or health professional if you are taking anticoagulant medications, thyroid medication, or if you have hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland) before taking Thyroid Support Plus.

Do not use:

You should not use Thyroid Support Plus if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, as vitamin A in Thyroid Support Plus is known to cause defects in the developing foetus. Also, do not use if you are breastfeeding.

What are the Directions for using Thyroid Support Plus?

You should take one capsule of Thyroid Support Plus twice daily, morning and evening, or as recommended by your health professional.

Product Size

60 Capsules

References

The following references provide scientific support for the use of this product:
  1. Cicatiello AG, Di Girolamo D, Dentice M. Metabolic Effects of the Intracellular Regulation of Thyroid Hormone: Old Players, New Concepts. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2018 Sep 11;9:474. 
  2. Mullur R, Liu Y-Y, Brent GA. Thyroid Hormone Regulation of Metabolism. Physiol Rev 2014 Apr; 94(2): 355–382.
  3. Samuels MH. Effects of variations in physiological cortisol levels on thyrotropin secretion in subjects with adrenal insufficiency: a clinical research center study. J Clin Endocrinol Metab.2000 Apr;85(4):1388-93.
  4. Dar NJ, Hamid A, Ahmad M. Pharmacologic overview of Withania somnifera, the Indian Ginseng. Cell Mol Life Sci.2015 Dec;72(23):4445-60. 
  5. Mishra LC, Singh BB, Dagenais S. Scientific basis for the therapeutic use of Withania somnifera (ashwagandha): a review. Altern Med Rev.2000 Aug;5(4):334-46.
  6. Panossian A, Wikman G. Evidence-based efficacy of adaptogens in fatigue, and molecular mechanisms related to their stress-protective activity. Curr Clin Pharmacol. 2009;4:198–219. 
  7. Chandrasekhar K, Kapoor J, Anishetty S. A Prospective, Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Safety and Efficacy of a High-Concentration Full-Spectrum Extract of Ashwagandha Root in Reducing Stress and Anxiety in Adults. Indian J Psychol Med. 2012 Jul-Sep; 34(3): 255–262. 
  8. Gannon JM, Forrest PE, Chengappa KNR. Subtle changes in thyroid indices during a placebo controlled study of an extract of Withania somnifera in persons with bipolar disorder. J Ayurveda Integr Med2014 Oct-Dec; 5(4): 241–245. 
  9. Dar PA, Singh LR, Kamal MA, Dar TA. Unique Medicinal Properties of Withania somnifera: Phytochemical Constituents and Protein Component. Curr Pharm Des.2016;22(5):535-40. 
  10. Mirjalili MH, Moyano E, Bonfill M, Cusido RM, Palazón J. Steroidal lactones from Withania somnifera, an ancient plant for novel medicine. Molecules.2009 Jul 3;14(7):2373-93. 
  11. Sworczak K, Wiśniewski P. The role of vitamins in the prevention and treatment of thyroid disorders. Polish Journal of Endocrinology 2011; 62 (4)
  12. Kennedy DO, Stevenson EJ, Jackson PA, Dunn S, Wishart K, et al. Multivitamins and minerals modulate whole-body energy metabolism and cerebral blood-flow during cognitive task performance: a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial. Nutr Metab (Lond).2016 Feb 11;13:11.
  13. Brossard, JPallet V, Corcuff JB. Vitamin A, endocrine tissues and hormones: interplay and interactions. Endocr Connect.2017 Aug 9;6(7):R121-R130. 
  14. Zimmermann MB. Interactions of Vitamin A and Iodine Deficiencies: Effects on the Pituitary-Thyroid Axis. Int. J. Vitam. Nutr. Res., 77 (3), 2007, 236–240
  15. Kennedy DO. B Vitamins and the Brain: Mechanisms, Dose and Efficacy—A Review. Nutrients 2016, 8, 68;
  16. Ness-Abramof R, Nabriski DA, Braverman LE et al. Prevalence and evaluation of B12 deficiency in patients with autoimmune thyroid disease. Am J Med Sci 2006; 332: 119–122.
  17. Orzechowska-Pawilojc A, Sworczak K, Lewczuk A et al. Homocysteine, folate and cobalamin levels in hypothyroid women before and after treatment. Endocr J 2007; 54: 471–476.
  18. Jabar A, Yawar A, Wasim, S, Islam I, Haque N, et al. Vitamin B12 deficiency common in primary hypothyroidism. J Pak Med Assoc Vol. 58, No. 5, May 2008
  19. Moncayo R, Kroiss A, Oberwinkler M, Karakolcu F, Starzinger M, et al. The role of selenium, vitamin C, and zinc in benign thyroid diseases and of selenium in malignant thyroid diseases: Low selenium levels are found in subacute and silent thyroiditis and in papillary and follicular carcinoma. BMC Endocrine Disorders 2008, 8:2
  20. Jubiz W, Ramirez M. Effect of vitamin C on the absorption of levothyroxine in patients with hypothyroidism and gastritis. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2014 Jun;99(6):E1031-4.
  21. Kim D. The Role of Vitamin D in Thyroid Diseases. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2017, 18, 1949
  22. Nettore IC, Albano L, Ungaro P, Colao S, Macchia PE. Sunshine vitamin and thyroid. Rev Br J Nutr.2009 Aug;102(3):382-6. 
  23. Chung HR. Iodine and thyroid function. Ann Pediatr Endocrinol Metab2014 Mar; 19(1): 8–12.
  24. Kohrle J. Selenium and the control of thyroid hormone metabolism. Thyroid. 2005;15:841–853.
  25. Duntas LH. Selenium and the thyroid: a close-knit connection. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2010;95:5180–5188.
  26. Kucharzewski M, Braziewicz J, Majewska U, Gózdz S. Copper, zinc, and selenium in whole blood and thyroid tissue of people with various thyroid diseases. Biol Trace Elem Res.2003 Summer;93(1-3):9-18. 
  27. Schomburg L. Selenium, selenoproteins and the thyroid gland: interactions in health and disease. Nat Rev Endocrinol.2011 Oct 18;8(3):160-71. 
  28. Schomburg L, Kohrle J. On the importance of selenium and iodine metabolism for thyroid hormone biosynthesis and human health Mol. Nutr. Food Res. 2008, 1 52, 000 – 000
  29. Aaseth J. Frey H. Glattre E. Norheim G. Ringstad J. Thomassen Y. Selenium concentrations in the human thyroid gland. Biol Trace Elem Res. 1990;24:147–152. 
  30. Kucharzewski M, Braziewicz J, Majewska U, Góźdź S. Concentration of selenium in the whole blood and the thyroid tissue of patients with various thyroid diseases. Biol Trace Elem Res.2002 Jul;88(1):25-30.
  31. Roohani N, Hurrell R, Kelishadi R, Schulin R. Zinc and its importance for human health: An integrative review. J Res Med Sci.2013 Feb;18(2):144-57.
  32. Ahmed RO, Abdrabo AA (2016) Levels of serum zinc and manganese among Sudanese patients with thyroid dysfunction. J Med Biol Sci Res 2(2): 33-35. 
  33. Arora M, Mahat RK, Kumar S, Mustafa I, Sah SP. Study of Trace Elements in Patients of Hypothyroidism with Special Reference to Zinc and Copper Biomed J Sci&Tech Res 6(2)-2018. BJSTR. MS.ID.001336.
  34. Majewska U, Braziewicz J, Banaś D, Kubala-Kukuś A, Kucharzewski M, et al. Zn concentration in thyroid tissue and whole blood of women with different diseases of thyroid. Biol Trace Elem Res.2001 Jun;80(3):193-9.