Is Milk Good for Thyroid Patients? Expert Answer

The thyroid gland is a very important organ in the endocrine system, which is described as a control system of ductless glands that secrete hormones which circulate through the bloodstream to affect cells within specific organs.

Maintaining thyroid health is crucial and what you’re adding to your diet in combination to get it balanced as regards nutrient composition is part of the ways of achieving good thyroid health.

However, milk is a dairy product and the link between dairy products and our thyroid is not really a straightforward matter which makes choices of milk in a diet to be a multifactorial decision.

Although there are no proven facts that dairy products can worsen the case of an individual with a thyroid condition but the fact remains that dairy products for instance are a good source of iodine which is a vital mineral needed to maintain normal thyroid function and produce hormones.

In this article, you’ll get to understand the link between milk/dairy product and your thyroid and why it can be a multifactorial decision of adding it to your diet.

Key Takeaway:

• Nutritional Value: Milk is rich in iodine, calcium, and vitamin D, which are beneficial for thyroid health.
• Hypothyroidism Benefits: Iodine in milk supports thyroid hormone production, especially in hypothyroid patients.
• Goitrogens Caution: If lactose intolerant, alternative milk may contain goitrogens (thyroid-disrupting substances).
• Moderation is Key: Consuming milk in moderation is generally safe and beneficial unless advised otherwise by a doctor.
• Consult Your Doctor: Always check with a healthcare provider to ensure milk fits your thyroid treatment plan.

Is Milk Good for Thyroid Patients?

Milk in its nutritional content has the beneficial nutrients that will serve a great importance to you as a thyroid patient when you moderately consume it in your diet intake. The several essential nutrients provided by this nutrient-rich beverage are:

• Iodine: This is an important nutrient that’s greatly needed for the production of thyroid hormone, thyroxine (T4), and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones helps to regulate metabolism and energy levels, and specifically helps individuals with hypothyroidism in which deficiency in iodine can get their condition worsen.
• Vitamin B: This is another that nutrient found in milk which aids energy metabolism and general health.
• Vitamin D: Many milk varieties are fortified with vitamin D. This is important for immune function and calcium absorption. It also helps to reduce inflammation when consumed in adequate levels. It aids general thyroid health.
• Calcium: This nutrient aids bone health and general bodily functions.
• Protein: Quality protein found in milk enables the building blocks for body tissues and thereby aids general energy levels. The protein in milk assists in maintaining muscle mass and supports metabolic processes.

Although you may need to note that certain compounds called goitrogens can interfere with thyroid function by inhibiting iodine uptake. However, milk is not a significant source of goitrogens but some dairy products made from goitrogenic foods like soy milk, must be taken moderately.

For more information, check out here and here.

Can thyroid patients drink milk tea?

Yes, thyroid patients can drink milk tea, but it’s important to consume it at the right time. If you are on thyroid medication like levothyroxine, avoid drinking milk tea close to the time you take your medication. Calcium in milk can interfere with the absorption of the medication. Wait at least 4 hours after taking your thyroid medication before drinking milk tea to ensure effective absorption.

Can I drink milk 1 hour after taking levothyroxine?

No, it is generally recommended to wait at least 4 hours after taking levothyroxine before drinking milk or consuming calcium-rich products. This helps prevent calcium from reducing the medication’s absorption in your body.

Which milk is good for thyroid patients?

The best milk for thyroid patients depends on their condition:

• Hypothyroidism: Plant-based milks like almond, oat, or coconut milk may be better since they are usually iodine-free, avoiding excess iodine intake.
• Hyperthyroidism: Regular dairy milk with iodine can be beneficial to balance iodine levels if needed.

Always choose unsweetened versions to avoid unnecessary sugar. If you’re lactose intolerant, lactose-free milk is an alternative.

How long should you wait to drink milk after taking levothyroxine?

You should wait at least 4 hours after taking levothyroxine before drinking milk or consuming calcium-rich foods. This ensures the medication is absorbed properly.

Why is there iodine in milk?

Iodine is present in milk because of iodine supplementation in cattle feed and the use of iodine-based disinfectants in the dairy industry. It is an essential nutrient that helps maintain thyroid health, but excessive iodine may worsen thyroid disorders.

Levothyroxine and coffee with milk

Coffee, especially with milk, can interfere with levothyroxine absorption. It’s recommended to avoid drinking coffee, with or without milk, for at least 30-60 minutes after taking the medication. If milk is added, the calcium in it further reduces absorption, making it even more important to maintain a gap of at least 4 hours.

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Conclusion

To conclude, you must know that some individuals with thyroid disorders may experience lactose intolerance (a condition in which lactose which is the sugar found in milk cannot be digested because the body lacks the enzyme lactase). For these individuals, regular intake of milk may results into digestive discomfort. This is where lactose-free milk or alternative milk options, such as almond, soy, or oat milk, can be recommended.

Hence, this is why the intake of milk as a thyroid patient is a multifactorial decision.

It’s also the reason why an individualized approach must be considered by you as regarding your diet via the consult of a health professional or registered dietitian to help you address specific concerns.

Reference

1. Chon DA, Reisman T, Weinreb JE, Hershman JM, Leung AM. Concurrent Milk Ingestion Decreases Absorption of Levothyroxine. Thyroid. 2018 Apr;28(4):454-457. doi: 10.1089/thy.2017.0428. Epub 2018 Mar 28. PMID: 29589994; PMCID: PMC5905419.
2. Lundquist H, Hess J, Comeau M, Slavin J. Cow milk is an important source of iodine for prenatal health, and switching to plant-based milk can lead to iodine insufficiencies. JDS Commun. 2024 Feb 1;5(3):181-184. doi: 10.3168/jdsc.2023-0424. PMID: 38646574; PMCID: PMC11026965.
3. Cow’s milk interferes with absorption of thyroid supplement levothyroxine. Retrieved from here