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Thyroid glandular
Also called: Thyroid concentrate, desiccated thyroid, 'thyroid support' glandular
Dried thyroid tissue from cows or pigs, sold over the counter as 'thyroid support'. Testing has found that many contain real thyroid hormone, which can push the thyroid into an overactive state.
Commonly used for
- Marketed for low energy, weight, and a sluggish thyroid
- Marketed for people with normal thyroid labs who still feel hypothyroid
Found naturally in
- Your thyroid makes its own hormone from iodine and the amino acid tyrosine
- Comes from animal thyroid glands. There is no common food source.
Label red flags
- Thyroid tissue or 'thyroid concentrate' in an over-the-counter product
- High-iodine kelp or iodine combined with glandular tissue
- Claims that it can replace thyroid medicine
Check with a provider
- Taking levothyroxine, liothyronine, or prescription desiccated thyroid. Don't combine them without your prescriber.
- Graves' disease or an overactive thyroid. Avoid it.
- Heart disease, an irregular heartbeat, or osteoporosis
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive
- Signs of too much thyroid hormone, such as a racing heart, tremor, anxiety, trouble sleeping, weight loss, or feeling hot. It can also throw off thyroid lab results.
Supplements that contain it
Brand nameProduct nameThyroid support formulasComing soon
Brand nameProduct nameEnergy and metabolism formulasComing soon
Brand nameProduct nameMulti-glandular blendsComing soon
Brand nameProduct nameThyroid support formulasComing soon
Brand nameProduct nameEnergy and metabolism formulasComing soon
Brand nameProduct nameMulti-glandular blendsComing soon
Parts of the body it affects
Explore what each area does and the conditions that can affect it.
Illustrations: Servier Medical Art, CC BY 4.0
Wondering if your symptoms fit a pattern?
Dr. Lesher is a naturopathic doctor who specializes in women's autoimmune and chronic conditions. Since 2020, she has helped more than 900 patients overcome and heal from their conditions.