What You Should Know About Hypothyroidism and Folic Acid

Folate, or folic acid, is an essential B vitamin that is needed for the proper formation of red blood cells and their division and DNA synthesis. This vitamin has an indirect but important relationship with hypothyroidism, a disorder characterized by an underactive thyroid gland.

In addition to amplifying the risks associated with hypothyroidism, low folic acid levels can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease. Understanding how hypothyroidism and folic acid are connected can help you make wise choices about your diet and health.

What Happens When You Have Hypothyroidism?

Your thyroid gland is located in your neck and produces hormones that regulate bodily functions such as body temperature, mood, metabolism, heart rate, and blood pressure. If you have hypothyroidism, you don’t produce enough of these hormones. This can disrupt numerous metabolic processes and have a negative effect on your energy and cardiovascular health.

Low levels of these hormones can slow down enzymes that work with folic acid to perform essential tasks, as well. In addition to helping make red blood cells, folic acid breaks down the amino acid homocysteine. If your body doesn't break down enough homocysteine, it can damage the lining of your arteries.

Research published in Frontiers in Endocrinology indicates that hypothyroidism, low levels of folic acid, and high levels of homocysteine are often linked. Having too much homocysteine can increase your risk of numerous health issues, according to Cleveland Clinic, including:

• Atherosclerosis
• Stroke
• Heart attack

People with subclinical hypothyroidism, who lack overt symptoms of disease, have an even greater risk of these health conditions, according to research published in Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine. This often may be because they haven't been diagnosed or treated.

Should You Consider Taking a Supplement?

If you are diagnosed with a folic acid deficiency, your doctor may suggest taking folic acid supplements or increasing sources of dietary folate. Liver, spinach, asparagus, and Brussels sprouts can provide a substantial amount of folic acid to your diet, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements.

Supplements will not cure hypothyroidism. But they can reduce risks or side effects for some people.

A study published in Nutrition Journal indicates that folic acid supplements can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, though more research may be needed to understand their long-term effects.

Before making dietary changes or taking any supplement, however, ask your doctor about what is right for your specific situation.