Low thyroid function in the form of overt or subclinical hypothyroidism has become one of the most prevalent health issues in the developed world today. While there are many contributing factors, some commonly identified risk factors include poor nutrition, excess stress and polypharmacy. Thyroid Matrix BA is a blend of nutrients designed to address all of these factors and to improve and optimize thyroid function.
L-tyrosine is the amino acid building block for thyroid hormones. It is the same amino acid needed to produce cortisol, our anti-stress hormone, and neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine. Studies show that it is capable of improving cognition during times of stress driven by sleep deprivation, cold exposure, combat training and unpleasant background noise. Including L-tyrosine in Thyroid Matrix BA is essential for the dual care of both the thyroid and the adrenal glands.
When it comes to minerals, selenium is crucial for the proper conversion of the less active thyroid hormone, thyroxine (T4), into the metabolically active triiodothyronine (T3). Without selenium, the metabolically inactive reverse T3 (rT3) is created instead, putting our bodies into a disadvantageous metabolic state. Zinc, iodine, manganese and copper are also necessary for proper thyroid hormone production, while zinc is also particularly important for increasing thyroid receptor sensitivity. All of these minerals are found in highly bioavailable forms, fully chelated with glycine for optimal stability and absorption.
Regarding vitamins, vitamin A is an interesting nutrient that appears to work synergistically with iodine to regulate thyroid health, while also directly improving thyroid hormone transport and receptors on target tissues. In animals, a vitamin A deficiency leads to reduced thyroid hormone synthesis and thyroid hypertrophy as a result of decreased iodine uptake. In children with even a mild vitamin A deficiency, elevated TSH and the less active T4 hormone have been observed. Interestingly, in iodide-deficient children, supplementation with vitamin A led not only to improved iodide efficiency, but also to a reduced TSH and a lower risk of hypothyroidism. Vitamin B12 is another vitamin that is important in select patients with thyroid concerns, commonly found to be deficient in up to 55% of patients with autoimmune thyroid disease, possibly as a result of concurrent low stomach acid, malabsorption or even autoimmune gastritis.
Finally, we have herbal extracts such as Bacopa monnieri and KSM-66® Withania somnifera that may positively impact the course of thyroid dysfunction. Bacopa is traditionally known for its ability to improve cognition and other areas of neurological function, but animal studies have suggested that it can significantly increase T4 concentrations. Moreover, bacopa has been demonstrated to lower cortisol levels. Both poor cognition and imbalanced cortisol levels are associated with thyroid dysfunction. Withania somnifera from KSM-66® is similarly most known for its adaptogenic properties and ability to improve performance during times of stress. However, ashwagandha is a unique adaptogenic herb in that it has a specific affinity for supporting thyroid function with various studies showing increased thyroid hormone secretion, increased concentrations of TSH and T4.
Collectively, all of these ingredients in Thyroid Matrix BA support the health of the thyroid gland and thyroid hormones on multiple levels, allowing for a comprehensive and effective approach to a low functioning thyroid. Thyroid Matrix BA with Bacopa can be considered a more robust formula when compared to Thyroid Matrix as it contains the addition of vitamins A, B12, Bacopa monnieri and a higher dosage of Withania somnifera with a greater percentage standardization of withanolides (5% and 1.5%, respectively)
