From the Research
It's generally safe to take sea moss while on levothyroxine, but they should be taken at least 4 hours apart to prevent potential interference with thyroid medication absorption. Levothyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach, typically first thing in the morning, 30-60 minutes before eating 1. Sea moss contains iodine, which is involved in thyroid function, so consuming it later in the day would be advisable. While sea moss offers nutrients like iodine, potassium, and calcium that may support overall health, there's limited scientific evidence for many of its claimed benefits.
Some key considerations for patients taking levothyroxine include:
- Monitoring thyroid function regularly, with the frequency of testing depending on individual factors such as the stability of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and the presence of underlying conditions like chronic autoimmune thyroiditis 2, 3.
- Maintaining consistent timing with both medication and supplements to keep thyroid hormone levels stable.
- Being aware that high doses of levothyroxine (>125 μg/day) may be associated with a higher risk of abnormal TSH levels 3.
- Recognizing that patients with hypothyroidism may require higher levels of serum free thyroxine to achieve a normal TSH value compared to euthyroid control subjects 4.
Always consult your healthcare provider before adding sea moss or any supplement to your regimen, especially with thyroid conditions, as individual responses may vary and your medication dosage might need adjustment based on how your body responds 5.