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Should I Take ThyroStart for Weight Loss? |
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Will This Supplement Help You Lose Weight?
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"I'm hypothyroid, taking Synthroid, but still having alot of symptoms - especially tiredness, memory impairment and weight gain. In reading articles I came across a product called ThyroStart - is anyone using it or tried it? And what were your results??"
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by Mary J. Shomon
Readers frequently write to me asking if they should consider taking a product known as ThyroStart. This product markets itself as a weight loss and thyroid support supplement.
Given the number of questions I've received about this product, I thought it would be useful to review its ingredients for thyroid patients, to determine if it might be a useful product.
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ThyroStart has some of the key vitamins and minerals you would find in a standard multivitamin, including:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin B1
- Vitamin B2
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin B9
- Vitamin B12
- Biotin
- Vitamin B5
- Magnesium
- Zinc
- Selenium
- Copper
- Manganese
- Molybdenum
These supplements can all be useful to general health, but are not being provided in sufficient concentrations to be considered megavitamin therapy to correct significant deficiencies.
Where ThyroStart may cause concern is in some of its additional ingredients. They do not clarify what is contained in a proprietary blend known as "Thydrazine™," but the concern would be that this proprietary ingredient may contain either ma huang or ephedra, the most popular herbal weight loss supplements, which have also recently been identified by the FDA as
stroke and heart risks.
Another item of concern is kelp meal, which contains iodine. Iodine is not universally recommended for thyroid patients. Some practitioners believe that iodine is an irritant to autoimmune thyroid disease, and can, in particular, worsen hypothyroidism. Many practitioners do not advise that thyroid patients supplemlent with iodine unless a nutritionist has established that you are iodine deficient. For more information on iodine, click here..
ThyroStart also contains items identified as: "Parathyroid Substance, Thymus Substance, Adrenal Substance, Pancreas Substance." These are of concern because any time you are including animal products in unregulated supplements, there are associated risks. In particular, there have been concerns over any glandular or animal-product supplements that may be coming from outside the U.S., because those products may carry a risk of of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) or "Mad Cow Disease."
The Bottom Line: You may wish to consult with your physician or practitioner before taking a product like ThyroStart, given the potential concerns.
Are there supplements that might help thyroid patients feel better or lose weight? Yes...but it's not a one-size-fits-all formula. Each person needs to take supplements that are based on his/her own nutritional needs, diet, and deficiencies -- and those can only be determined by testing with your practitioner or nutritionist.
Will ThyroStart help you lose weight? It's hard to say, but few thyroid patients have had success with anything other than substantially modifying their diet, and incorporating exercise.
For guidance on how to lose weight with thyroid disease, the best place for you to start is the
"Thyroid Weight Loss Center," offering information on support groups, the best weight loss books for thyroid patients, key articles on weight loss, diets you can start today, drugs and supplements, and other diet resources.
YOU CAN STAY INFORMED ON THE LATEST THYROID DISEASE INFORMATION
Whether it's a free email newsletter or report about thyroid disease, the latest books that help you live well with your thyroid condition, or support and information from fellow thyroid patients, you'll find a variety of resources here at the About Thyroid site.
- Thyroid F.Y.I. My Weekly "About Thyroid Disease" Newsletter covers new developments in the world of thyroid disease, with free updates on new features and new information here at the website. It's the best way to keep up with the About thyroid site. Subscribe at the About Thyroid
Site Newsletter Signup page or right here,
- About.com Thyroid Bookstore -- Books that will help you live well with and triumph over thyroid disease.
- Free Monthly Thyroid Disease News Report -- Free monthly report reporting on latest information on thyroid disease, as well as conventional and alternative domestic and world news related to thyroid disease.
- Thyroid Forums -- A Place for Support, Empowerment, and Information --
Here are some of the latest discussions at the Thyroid Disease Forum/Bulletin Board, one of six active thyroid forums I oversee. Jump into the conversations now!
