[Laree08]

#1058863

Wondering what types of vitamins you guys take? I have TED as well would like to know certain types of vitamins that help? I have an appt with Endo next week and want to ask if its ok to take vitamins with my medication. Thanks for your help.

[snelsen]

#1170477

With Synthroid, or any thyroid hormone replacement hormone, vitamins and supplements (calcium, etc.,) interfere with the absorption and metabolism of the drug. Also, the recommended way to take it is in the morning on an empty stomach with a glass of water, then you can eat in 1/2 hour. ANd, of course, you probably have directions from the pharmacist about this. If not, check my info out with them and/or your endo. And, of course you can check with the endo next week.

My personal experience and opinion is that vitamins do not help either Graves’ or TED. Some people say that flax seed and/or fish oil helps our tears cling to our eyes better, so I tried that, found no help in that area. Many people take vitamins, but I feel that I eat well, don’t need’em. Except for Vitamin D. I love in Seattle where the sun is in very short supply, so i do take it.
shirley

[snelsen]

#1170478

typo city!! I mean I LIVE in Seattle. Guess I could love here, too, though.

[Kimberly]

#1170479

Hello – There was a study in Italy that showed that selenium supplements (100 micrograms twice a day) might have a positive impact on mile TED. However, the study was done in an area known to be selenium-deficient, so more research will be needed to determine whether this might be helpful to other patients.

Also, if you are being treated for hypERthyroidism, you will want a multivitamin without iodine…as excess iodine can make hyperthyroidism worse.

Definitely check with your doctor before adding any supplements to your regimen, as some can have unexpected reactions with certain prescription meds.

Take care!

[snelsen]

#1170480

I think it is VERY relevant that the study was done in selenium deficient area.
As Kimberly wisely stated, there is a lot of room for more research on this subject. And, I might add, on TED!

There is a lot of junk on the internet about this, and a few, very small studies.
I read them the academic ones, and there are several variables that a lot of variables that were not controlled, for them to come to their conclusions that selenium might be helpful in TED, and there was some improvement in comfort. One study indicated that the improvement lasted for six months. The studies are so small, that I am not listing them here. But it is a big job to find them. I think we probably get enough in our diet, but I am never one to state that there are not more yet-unknown treatments for TED. One variable that was not addressed in any of the studies i found, is the stage TED that the participants were in, and sometimes this is hard to determine.

I think it has been mentioned several times on this site, that if someone decides to take it, they should check with their endo, and be sure they do not think it is 100 Milligrams (Mg) because it is not It is 100 MICROGRAMS (mcg.)

[gatorgirly]

#1170481

I started taking 200mcg selenium as soon as I finished my 6 months of prednisone for TED. Both my endocrinologist and neuro-ophthalmologist supported this decision. After about four months, I dropped down to 50mcg. I just moved and have been forgetting to take it consistently, but I’ve been having more headaches (could be a number of things, not necessarily the lack of selenium supplements) and I will try to be better about taking it.

If it works for me and my specialists support my use, I will continue to use it. There is nothing worse in this world (in my opinion) than prednisone, and I will do anything to avoid ever taking it again.

Also, I take a women’s daily multivitamin.

[snelsen]

#1170482

I’m with you all the way, gatorgirly, about taking prednisone again! I would eat sand and dirt before taking prednisone! Just joking, of course, sometimes it is a life saving drug in some instances, and a proper one to take in others.
But I was on 60mgm/day for TED, and that dose turned me into a crazy person who probably would have been happy to eat sand and dirt if I could not have my billion calories a day for my voracious appetite, combined with sleepless nights. But it did relieve the inflammation for a week or two.

[snelsen]

#1170483

Gatorgirly, you have given me more to think about. Plus Kimberly’s comment about a small study for mild TED. I hope they continue to investigate and do some more and larger studies. In any case, my TED began with a vengeance, and was never mild. I wish.

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