Lipoic Acid and Thyroid

CS,

I searched the archives for this issue and found no real information.

I have begun taking lipoic acid as a part of my regimen.

I am not hypothyroid, but I have had TSH blood tests done in the past that show my levels are slightly elevated, hence leaning towards an underactive thyroid. I have seen endocrinologists about this, and there has never been the need to go on any thyroid regulating drugs or supplements.

I have read that lipoic acid can alter the hormone levels regulated by the thyroid, where articles indicate that it could interact with thyroid medication.

Do you believe that lipoic acid could aggravate an underactive thyroid and should I cease using it. Or is this only in the case of one who is taking medication and that lipoic acid should be avoided due to its negative interaction with the medication?

I am yet to decide on whether to include iodine in my regimen as I have read a number of people here who have had adverse reactions to it. Therefore could iodine be considered a thyroid supplement/medication and thus interact with the lipoic acid?

Thank you

mlive88 - The problem with forums in general is that most often, something being discussed is not applicable to everyone.

There are usually many gray areas.

In the case of lipoic acid, yes it can potentially inhibit thyroid function. However, it is actually quite rare. There is one practicer in particular who treats largely thyroid patients, and lipoic acid has been found to rarely ever cause a problem.

The short answer is that, it only remains a possibility. In my estimation, taking lipoic acid with Acetyl L-Carnitine will safeguard against this rare possibility.

As far as iodine goes, the problems usually experienced are symptoms of bromidism. Iodine pulls out various metals and toxic substances. Iodine is the most controversial mineral (besides lithium), yes is the safest mineral to take if one consumes even 100,000 times its RDA.

The phobias behind this mineral largely stem from erroneous data, and research extrapolated to humans from misinterpreted information. Moreover, most doctors seem to be confused between the effects of toxic iodine drugs and real iodine.

To reduce the possibility of symptoms from the initial usage of iodine, try salt loading and vitamin C. Salting loading involves using Celtic salt (or Wright salt or Morton's Pickling and canning salt). That's a 1/2 teaspoon and 1,000 mg or more of Vitamin C.

CS,

Thank you for responding.

As you have mentioned iodine removes toxic substances and metals, does this at all overlap into detoxification and chelating heavy metals as seen on another thread?

Not to encroach on another thread, but what would be the most 'conservative' approach to instigating iodine into my regimen and detox/chelating heavy metals? I assume these two can be done together?

mlive88 - Your correct, that iodine and chelation can be done together. In fact, iodine will improve the effectiveness of the chelation.

A conservative approach is to start with a few drops of iodine and using salt loading along with Vitamin C.

Gradually increase your iodine dose, and if symptoms appear, then reduce it until you are symptom-free and then continue increasing the dose.

CS

Further to the discussion above.

I have commenced lipoic acid and l-carnitine as per your regimen.

Around the same time I started a iodine supplement mix seen here:

http://www.promedics.ca/products.php?category=Herbal+Supplements&productID=93

I have read generally these ingredients can cause nausea, yet nausea seems to be a listed side effect for a vast majority of supplements?

Since then I have been experiencing nausea (specifically stomach pain, noticeable but not severe) on and off. I find that very shortly after taking lipoic acid with l-carntine I experience nausea. However the lipoic acid arrived before the l-carnitine and I started taking this first and didn't seem to notice any nausea.

So is this a detox reaction? Or simply a reaction and therefore should I cease taking the lipoic acid/l-carnitine and the iodine supplement? Is there possibly a way to start on smaller doses?

Some guidance would be most appreciated.

mlive88 - Are you using Acetyl L-Carnitine or just plain L-Carnitine?

CS,

I am using Best Vite Acetyl L-Cartinine.

1000mg taken with lipoic acid and always with a meal.

CS

I also forgot to mention that I have also started krill oil.

Now I understand krill oil is more stable than fish oil, but I live in the tropics. Hence there is year round warm weather with humid air. I don't know if this could turn the krill oil rancid and cause an unsettled stomach?

I generally store my supplements inside, but not refrigerated. I buy in bulk so I generally have 4 months worth of any particular supplement. As a general rule, would it be recommended storing my supplements in the refrigerator to better keep them?

mlive88 - This is a good point you brought up. A humid climate, especially a warm one leaves supplements very vulnerable. That being the case, would highly recommend that you store them in the refrigerator.

Note that krill oil can cause loose stools in some people, so that is another possibility.

Lipoic acid is found in a variety of food sources. Patients with thyroid conditions need to be careful while taking supplemental lipoic acid. I think this is not a purified product and may have other actions in the body.