Thyax Supplement Facts

Thyax Research:

Acetyl L-Tyrosine, L-tyrosine complex- Tyrosine is required for synthesis of thyroid hormones, and deficiency of phenylalanine and L-tyrosine has been associated with hypothyroidism (1). A form of tyrosine, acetyl-L-tyrosine in combination with phenylalanine has been shown to sufficiently meet the requirement of a certain class of amino acids in adults (2).

Zinc (picolinate)- Required for the manufacture of thyroid hormones, zinc is also necessary for overall growth and development (3). Patients with hypothyroidism may have impaired intestinal zinc absorption and lower levels of plasma zinc (4,5). Treatment with zinc improved thyroid function and reduced the incidence of subclinical hypothyroidism in patients with Down syndrome, who have an increased risk of hypothyroidism (6). As well, the addition of zinc supplementation to L-thyroxine therapy in hypothyroid animals improved wound healing (7).

L-Phenylalanine - As a precursor to the amino acid tyrosine, phenylalanine plays an important role in thyroid function. Deficiency of phenylalanine and L-tyrosine has been associated with hypothyroidism (1).

Iodine (Kelp)- Iodine is a trace element that is required for thyroid hormone synthesis. Deficiency of iodine causes goiter, thyrotoxicosis and developmental disorders in children (8,9). Even mild iodine deficiency can result in hypothyroidism and thyroid disorders, especially in at risk populations (10). However, excess iodine can actually inhibit thyroid function, and combined dietary and supplemental levels should not exceed 600mcg per day.

Selenium (Sodium Selenite)- Selenium (in the form of selenoproteins) is necessary for the production and conversion of thyroid hormones (11). In addition to iodine supplementation, selenium may mitigate development of hypothyroidism and may be essential for those with congenital hypothyroidism (12). When combined iodine and selenium deficiencies exist, selenium must always be given with iodine or thyroid hormone (13).

Copper (Gluconate), Manganese (citrate), Molybdenum- These trace minerals are closely tied to thyroid function. In animal studies, copper and manganese deficiency and hypothyroidism were worsened when these conditions existed together (14,15).

Vitamin B1 (thiamine HCl), Vitamin B2 (riboflavin),Vitamin B3 (niacin),Vitamin B5 (d-Calcium Pantothenate)- These B vitamins are essential for energy production, mood, nervous system function and wound healing. One of the main complaints of hypothyroidism is fatigue, which is mostly caused by low levels of thyroid hormone, but may also be the result of low B vitamin status.

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine HCL),Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin),Folic Acid- Required for optimal function of the nervous and immune systems, these B vitamins are useful in reducing levels of homocysteine, a detrimental amino acid associated with heart disease. Patients with hypothyroidism have significantly higher plasma levels of homocysteine (16). Supplementation with vitamin B6, B12 and folic acid can lower homocysteine (17).

 References:

1. Tahara Y et al. Primary hypothyroidism in an adult patient with protein-calorie malnutrition: a study of its mechanism and the effect of amino acid deficiency. Metabolism 1988 Jan;37(1):9-14.
   
    
2. Hoffer LJ et al. N-acetyl-L-tyrosine as a tyrosine source in adult parenteral nutrition. JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr 2003 Nov-Dec;27(6):419-22.
   
    
3. Freake HC et al. Actions and interactions of thyroid hormone and zinc status in growing rats. J Nutr 2001 Apr;131(4):1135-41.
   
    
4. Chen SM et al. Effect of hypothyroidism on intestinal zinc absorption and renal zinc disposal in five-sixths nephrectomized rats. Jpn J Physiol 2005 Aug;55(4):211-9. Epub 2005 Oct 29.
   
    
5. Dolev E et al. Alterations in magnesium and zinc metabolism in thyroid disease. Metabolism 1988 Jan;37(1):61-7.
   
    
6. Napolitano G et al. Is zinc deficiency a cause of subclinical hypothyroidism in Down syndrome? Ann Genet 1990;33(1):9-15.
   
    
7. Erdogan M et al. Effects of L-thyroxine and zinc therapy on wound healing in hypothyroid rats. Acta Chir Belg 1999 Apr;99(2):72-7.
   
    
8. Weissel M. [Thyroid dysfunction in aged persons] Wien Med Wochenschr 2005 Oct;155(19-20):458-62.
   
    
9. Angermayr L, Clar C. Iodine supplementation for preventing iodine deficiency disorders in children. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2004;(2):CD003819.
   
    
10. Kung JW et al. Mild iodine deficiency and thyroid disorders in Hong Kong. Hong Kong Med J 2001 Dec;7(4):414-20.
    
     
11. Kohrle J. Thyroid hormone deiodination in target tissues--a regulatory role for the trace element selenium? Exp Clin Endocrinol 1994;102(2):63-89.
    
     
12. Chanoine JP. Selenium and thyroid function in infants, children and adolescents. Biofactors 2003;19(3-4):137-43.
    
     
13. Vaderpas JB et al. Selenium deficiency mitigates hypothyroxinemia in iodine-deficient subjects. Am J Clin Nutr 1993 Feb;57(2 Suppl):271S-275S.
    
     
14. Oliver JW. Interrelationships between athyroetic and copper-deficient states in rats. Am J Vet Res 1975 Nov;36(11):1649-53.
    
     
15. Oliver JW. Interrelationships between athyreotic and manganese-deficient states in rats. Am J Vet Res 1976 May;37(5):597-600.
    
     
16. Diekman MJ et al. Determinants of changes in plasma homocysteine in hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2001 Feb;54(2):197-204.
    
     
17. Peterson JC et al. Vitamins and progression of atherosclerosis in hyperhomocysteinaemia. Lancet 1998;351:263.