A concise review of Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT) and the importance of iodine, selenium, vitamin D and gluten on the autoimmunity and dietary management of HT patients.Points that need more investigation

Hell J Nucl Med. 2017 Jan-Apr;20(1):51-56. doi: 10.1967/s002449910507. Epub 2017 Mar 20.

Abstract

Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is a chronic autoimmune thyroid disease caused by an interaction between genetic factors and environmental conditions, both of which are yet to be fully understood. The management of HT depends on its clinical manifestations, commonly including diffuse or nodular goiter with euthyroidism, subclinical hypothyroidism and permanent hypothyroidism. However, in most cases of patients with HT, lifelong levothyroxine substitution is required. The additional role of diet for the management of HT is usually overlooked. A literature search regarding the importance and the influence of iodine, selenium, vitamin D and gluten on HT was conducted. In HT careful supplementation of possible deficiencies is recommended for the dietary management of these patients. The use of a diet low in gluten among HT patients with or without celiac disease (CD) is discussed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Combined Modality Therapy / methods
  • Diet Therapy
  • Diet, Gluten-Free / methods*
  • Dietary Supplements*
  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • Glutens / therapeutic use*
  • Hashimoto Disease / diagnosis
  • Hashimoto Disease / diet therapy*
  • Humans
  • Iodine / therapeutic use*
  • Selenium / therapeutic use*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vitamin D

Substances

  • Vitamin D
  • Glutens
  • Iodine
  • Selenium