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How nutrition works

Thyroid function

Which nutrients contribute to normal thyroid function.

The thyroid produces hormones that control, among other things, energy metabolism. Iodine and selenium contribute to normal thyroid function according to EU health claims. Here you find the evidence and the limits of intake – with evidence level and sources.

Nutrients & foods

  • Evidence: strong

    Iodine

    • Iodine contributes to the normal production of thyroid hormones and normal thyroid function. [1][2][3]

      Authorised EU claim

  • Evidence: strong

    Selenium

    • Selenium contributes to the normal thyroid function. [1][4]

      Authorised EU claim

Sources

  1. 01European Commission · 2012Commission Regulation (EU) No 432/2012 establishing a list of permitted health claims made on foods, other than those referring to the reduction of disease risk and to children's development and healthOpen source
  2. 02EFSA Journal · 2009Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to iodine and thyroid function and production of thyroid hormones (ID 274), energy-yielding metabolism (ID 274), maintenance of vision (ID 356), maintenance of hair (ID 370), maintenance of nails (ID 370), and maintenance of skin (ID 370) pursuant to Article 13(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and AllergiesDOI 10.2903/j.efsa.2009.1214
  3. 03EFSA Journal · 2014Scientific Opinion on Dietary Reference Values for iodineEFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and AllergiesDOI 10.2903/j.efsa.2014.3660
  4. 04EFSA Journal · 2014Scientific Opinion on Dietary Reference Values for seleniumDOI 10.2903/j.efsa.2014.3846