My WebMD Sign In, Sign Up
WebMD Home

Ask Your Question

WebMD Answers

120 Characters remaining
120 Characters remaining
  • First, try and keep your question as short as possible.
  • Include specific words that will help us identify questions that may already have your answer.
  • If you don't find your answer, you can post your question to WebMD Experts and Contributors.

Close

Featuring Experts From

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See all
Back to List
  |  
Next Question
Didn't find your answer? Post to
WebMD Experts and Contributors
Q.

What foods or vitamins (for example iron) interfere with the absorption of Synthroid?

Related Topics: Iron, Food, Vitamin
Posted:
| Report This Report Question
Answer This
 

Answers From Experts & Organizations (1)

MedicineNetSUCCESS!
MedicineNet
5,093 Answers
88,791 Helpful Votes
58 Followers
A.

Aluminum and magnesium containing antacids, calcium carbonate, simethicone, or sucralfate and iron-containing compounds may decrease the absorption of Synthroid; so you should not take these medications within four hours of taking Synthroid. Drugs that bind cholesterol such as cholestyramine have the same effect and should also not be taken apart from the Synthroid.

Antidepressants may increase the effects of Synthroid, and the dosage may need to be adjusted.

In regard to foods and herbs, while nothing is off limits in most cases, it is reasonable to limit intake of goitrogenic foods (for example, asparagus, cabbage, peas, turnip greens, broccoli, spinach, brussel sprouts, lettuce, soybeans). Soybean flour (infant formula), cottonseed meal, walnuts, and dietary fiber may also decrease absorption of Synthroid from the GI tract.

While this is not a complete list, it gives you an idea of interactions you may need to consider. For these reasons it is recommended that thyroid medication be taken on an empty stomach 30-60 minutes before meals or at least three hours afterward.

This answer should not be considered medical advice...down arrowThis answer should not be considered medical advice and should not take the place of a doctor’s visit. Please see the bottom of the page for more information or visit our Terms and Conditions.up arrow

Posted:
| Report This Report Answer

Was this helpful?

YesNo

Thanks for your feedback.

36 of 40 found this helpful
Read the Original Article: Synthroid, Foods That Decrease Absorption
 
 
1 Answer

Next Question:

Can taking a 600 mg calcium supplement with breakfast and dinner decrease iron absorption? Next Question