Can I take Levothyroxine and Vitamin D together?

Pourquoi cela se produit

Vitamin D itself does not change how levothyroxine works. However, many vitamin D supplements are combined with calcium. Calcium binds to levothyroxine in the digestive tract, preventing the medicine from entering your bloodstream. Additionally, correcting a severe vitamin D deficiency can sometimes slightly alter how your body uses thyroid hormones, though this is usually beneficial.

You can safely take both, but timing is important. If your vitamin D supplement contains calcium, you must wait at least 4 hours after taking your levothyroxine before taking the supplement. It is best to take levothyroxine on an empty stomach, 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast. Always inform your doctor if you start a new supplement, as they may want to check your thyroid levels (TSH) after a few weeks to ensure your dose is still correct.

Heart conditions (e.g. angina, heart failure)

If you have a heart condition, your dose must be started very low and increased slowly. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience chest pain or palpitations, as levothyroxine increases the workload on your heart.

Interaction with supplements (Calcium/Iron)

Do not take calcium tablets, iron supplements, or multivitamins at the same time as levothyroxine. You must leave a gap of at least 4 hours between these supplements and your levothyroxine to ensure the medicine works.

Diabète

Levothyroxine can raise blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, you must monitor your blood glucose more closely when starting or changing your dose, as your diabetes medication may need to be increased.

Hypercalcémie (calcium sanguin élevé)

Ne prenez pas de vitamine D si vous avez un taux élevé de calcium dans le sang ou l'urine, car cela peut entraîner de graves lésions rénales et des troubles du rythme cardiaque.

Alcool

It is best to avoid or strictly limit alcohol while taking levothyroxine. While there is no direct chemical reaction, alcohol can affect thyroid function and may worsen symptoms like tiredness or mood changes.

Timing of dose and food/drink

Take your levothyroxine on an empty stomach, at least 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast or any caffeine. Food, milk, and coffee prevent the medicine from being absorbed properly.

Caféine (Café/Thé)

Caffeine can significantly reduce the amount of levothyroxine your body absorbs. You should wait at least 30 to 60 minutes after taking your tablet before drinking coffee or tea.

Dairy products (Milk, Yoghurt, Cheese)

Avoid consuming dairy products at the same time as your levothyroxine. Calcium found in dairy can interfere with how your body absorbs the medicine, making it less effective. It is best to wait at least 4 hours between taking levothyroxine and consuming dairy.

Soya products

Soya can interfere with the absorption of levothyroxine. If you regularly eat or drink soya products, your doctor may need to monitor your thyroid levels more closely. Avoid consuming soya at the same time as your dose.

Kelp and Seaweed

These foods are naturally high in iodine. Too much iodine can interfere with your thyroid treatment and make your condition worse.

High-fibre foods

A diet very high in fibre can reduce the absorption of levothyroxine. If you significantly change your fibre intake, inform your doctor as your dose may need adjusting.

Repas riches en graisses

La vitamine D est une vitamine liposoluble. Elle est mieux absorbée par votre corps lorsqu'elle est prise avec un repas contenant une certaine quantité de graisse (comme des œufs, de l'avocat, des noix ou des produits laitiers).

Taking multiple medicines? Our Vérificateur d'Interactions Médicamenteuses helps you check whether your prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements are safe to take together. Simply search for your medicines to see potential interactions and what to do about them.

Avertissement

Ces informations sont fournies à des fins éducatives générales uniquement et ne doivent pas être considérées comme un substitut aux conseils médicaux professionnels. Consultez toujours votre médecin généraliste, votre pharmacien ou un autre professionnel de santé qualifié avant de prendre des décisions concernant vos médicaments. Les circonstances individuelles peuvent varier, et seul un professionnel de santé connaissant votre historique médical peut fournir des conseils personnalisés.