Story by: David Steen Martin Reviewed by Kellie A. Woodruff, APRN, CPNP on June 5, 2023
If you suspect issues with your child’s thyroid, schedule a visit with your pediatrician for testing.
The best diet for children with hypothyroidism is a lot like a healthy diet for any other child.
They should eat at least five portions of fruits and vegetables every day, along with starches like pasta, potatoes, bread and rice that are higher in fiber; dairy or dairy alternatives; and beans, eggs, meat or other protein.
Children should also drink plenty of fluids — at least six glasses a day.
“You don’t have to avoid any foods if you have thyroid disease,” said Kellie A. Woodruff, APRN, CPNP, a nurse practitioner at Norton Children’s Endocrinology, affiliated with the UofL School of Medicine. “The main need is sufficient dietary iodine intake, and this is usually obtained with iodized salt.”
Eating a balanced diet should provide the vitamin D, zinc and calcium a child needs. Picky eaters should take a multivitamin, according to Kellie.
If the child is on thyroid replacement hormone levothyroxine (Synthroid), they should take the medication on an empty stomach, if possible, and not with other medications or multivitamins. Taking levothyroxine with a meal delays absorption of the medication into the body.
Most doctors recommend taking levothyroxine 30 minutes before breakfast.
Some calcium-rich foods such as milk and supplements also can interfere with absorption of levothyroxine. To keep that from happening, make sure there is at least a four-hour gap between a child taking the medication and consuming calcium-rich foods such as milk. The same is true for products that contain soy, such as soy milk.
It’s important for parents to remember that low-fat milk has the same amount of calcium as whole milk. Changing the fat content of the milk does not alter its calcium content.
Levothyroxine and iron supplements or multivitamins containing iron also should be taken at least four hours apart.
Selenium, a micronutrient found naturally in foods including tuna, eggs and legumes such as beans, chickpeas and lentils, is thought to help with thyroid function. Zinc is also thought to be helpful. Zinc can be found in beef, chicken and legumes.
Children who do not spend much time outside in the sun or who have darker skin should consider a 10 microgram vitamin D supplement daily throughout the year.
Vitamin D is best known for helping build healthy bones, teeth and muscles. Some studies now show people with low levels of vitamin D also may have thyroid disorders, although it’s not clear whether low vitamin D levels are the cause.