Thyro8 is a supplement specifically formulated to address issues related to thyroid function. Its unique proprietary blend is the brainchild of Kent Holtorf, MD and one of his patients, Emily. Thyro8 is manufactured in GMP facilities within the US. It looks like the product has been around a few years but can’t find an exact date.
The supplement was birthed from the premise that 1 in 8 women (hence the product name Thyro8) suffer from thyroid issues. The product is comprised of some common, and not so common, ingredients to address an underactive thyroid. It should be pointed out this product is not designed to help those with an overactive thyroid, hyperthyroidism, or those with an autoimmune thyroid condition, Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis or Grave’s Disease.
Thyro8 Benefits
All of the benefits listed for Thyro8 are related to thyroid function. It is well established in the medical literature that the thyroid controls and regulates things like:
- Mood
- Focus
- Energy
- Metabolism
- Circulation
- Skin & Hair
By restoring normal thyroid function, you can improve all of the above. If Thyro8 can restore normal thyroid function in those with hypothyroidism then you can reasonably assume it will result in the reduction of depression, increased energy, weight-loss, improved circulation, and improved skin/hair health.
Ingredient
Selenium (L-Selenomethionine)
Selenium is a trace mineral that is absolutely essential to thyroid function. While selenium is an important cofactor for antioxidants throughout the body, arguably its most vital function relates to thyroid hormone metabolism. A family of enzymes, called deiodinases, requires selenium to function properly. Deiodinase enzymes are responsible for properly activating/deactivating the thyroid hormones thyroxin (T4) and triiodothyronine.
Thyro8 uses a very robust amount of selenium. Toxicity is unlikely at these doses. However, research shows that doses as low as 80mcg of selenium are sufficient to improve thyroid function.
Iodine (Potassium Iodide)
Iodine is the key element that makes up thyroid hormones. Active thyroid hormone, T3, contains three iodine molecules whereas inactive thyroid hormone, T4, includes four iodine molecules. When levels of iodine are too low our body may struggle to make enough thyroid hormone. Too little iodine can also cause goiter. You have to be very careful to not get too much iodine though. Excess iodine intake can result in a goiter, the overproduction of thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism), or even an autoimmune thyroid condition. Iodine metabolism must be tightly regulated and too little or too much can cause issues. For these reasons, you should always consult with your physician about iodine intake.
Vitamin K2 (menaquinone-7)
Vitamin K2 has been gaining significant traction over the last decade. It is part of the vitamin K family, but because it stays in the blood significantly longer than K1, it also interacts with dozens of other enzymes. Most of the research on vitamin K2 relates to calcium metabolism, bone health, and cardiovascular health. However, there has been some evidence that shows vitamin K2 can improve cognition. Cognitive benefits appear to due to improved blood flow and cardiovascular function in the brain. There are much better ingredients out there for brain function though.
Thyro8 uses an ideal dose of vitamin K2 and the ideal form, menaquinone-7 (MK-7). The inclusion of vitamin K2 is interesting though. There does not appear to be any evidence that vitamin K2 has any effect on thyroid function. Also, the established daily value for vitamin K intake is 90mcg. The Thyro8 supplement facts list vitamin K2 at 180mcg which would be 200% DV. However, the label shows 225% DV.
Hydroxytyrosol Acetate
Hydroxytyrosol can be found in olives, specifically olive leaves, and pulp. It has been shown to have fantastic antioxidant capacity. Most of the research on hydroxytyrosol appears to be on cholesterol and cardiovascular function. A Pubmed.gov search for “hydroxytyrosol thyroid” only returns 4 searches. Because the liver is responsible for converting about 80% of inactive T4 to active T3, antioxidants that support the liver also support thyroid health. There isn’t much data to go off of for hydroxytyrosol’s effects on hypothyroidism.
Guggulsterone Extract
Guggulsterone is a phytosteroid found in the guggul plant. It has been shown to benefit a variety of chronic diseases. It appears guggulsterone works in the liver by reducing inflammation and removing free radicals. As you already read above, the liver is responsible for converting inactive T4 into active T3. By reducing inflammation guggulsterone could improve thyroid function. There doesn’t seem to be a lot of research specifically looking at guggulsterone’s effects on thyroid hormones though.
Theobromine
Theobromine is a compound found in cacao seeds. This means you’ll find it dark, bitter, chocolate. It has a very similar chemical make-up and structure to caffeine. Some studies have shown that theobromine actually has many of the same physiological effects that caffeine exerts too. Looking at the clinical research on Pubmed.gov and doing a search for “theobromine thyroid” only a handful of studies pop up. Most of these didn’t even test the effects of theobromine in people or animals but rather in a petri dish of cells. A rat study found that both caffeine and theobromine may have a NEGATIVE effect on thyroid function.
Does Thyro8 Work?
The formulation of Thyro8 contains a few compounds that have a long history of supporting healthy thyroid function for those with hypothyroidism. Minerals like selenium and iodine are critical to normal thyroid hormone production. If you are deficient in these minerals supplementing with them can help restore normal thyroid function. Too much of these minerals can bring along their own nasty side-effects though. It also contains some ingredients, like theobromine, that are less proven and leave you scratching your head about their inclusion. While this product could help some people, there are better formulations that are more comprehensive.
Claims vs. Reality
The thyroid is responsible for controlling several different aspects of health. When your thyroid is underactive you may notice things like weight gain, fatigue, depression, and poor skin health. The claims made for Thyro8 are definitely possible IF it can restore normal thyroid function. Based on Thyro8’s formulation and the quality of ingredients, it seems unlikely that it will have a profound effect on most people’s thyroid health.
