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Hypothyroidism

How Does Levothyroxine Influence Calcium Levels In The Body?

May 9, 2017

Levothyroxine, a synthetic hormone used to treat people with hypothyroidism, can influence calcium levels in the body if:

  • You take levothyroxine at the same time as your calcium supplements
  • Your calcium supplements lack Vitamin D, Vitamin K and Magnesium
  • You have not had your calcium levels tested medically and have been self-medicating
  • You don’t test your T3 and T4 regularly and continue your thyroid medication

If you are taking levothyroxine along with calcium supplements, please ensure you take it on an empty stomach with a full glass of water, and preferably at least 4 hours before or after you take your calcium supplements. It is advised that you do not take levothyroxine and calcium simultaneously, as it is seen that levothyroxine molecules stick to the calcium molecules and form a mixed substance which is not easily absorbed into your digestive tract.

People who do take levothyroxine and calcium simultaneously tend to develop reduced levels of thyroxine. You may need to have regular medical tests if you start taking levothyroxine. It is better to consult a physician while you are taking levothyroxine to ensure your calcium levels are not impacted.

To know more about the effects of levothyroxine on your body, please see, Does Thyroid Medication Increase Your Osteoporosis Risk?

References:

1)     Jacob.J, Cherian.D,Chopra.S; The thyroid hormone, parathyroid hormone and vitamin D associated hypertension; Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2011 Oct;15 (Suppl 4):S354-S360: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3230087/

2)    Hoyle.G; Levothyroxine & Calcium;Livestrong. 2011 Aug;31 : http://www.livestrong.com/article/532255-levothyroxine-calcium/

3)    https://www.drugs.com/levothyroxine.html