Review Finds Mediterranean-Style Diet May Influence Thyroid Disease Risk and Management

A recent review published in the Journal of Endocrinological Investigation highlights how diet plays a critical and often underappreciated role in thyroid health, particularly in autoimmune thyroid diseases.

While iodine has long been recognized as essential for thyroid hormone production, researchers emphasize that overall nutrition—including micronutrients, dietary patterns, and gut health—significantly influences thyroid function.

The review analyzed studies from major databases between 2005 and 2025, focusing on key nutrients such as iodine, selenium, iron, zinc, vitamin D, and vitamin B12. Findings show that iodine follows a U-shaped relationship with thyroid health: both deficiency and excess can disrupt function.

Low iodine levels may lead to hypothyroidism and goiter, while excessive intake can trigger hyperthyroidism or autoimmune thyroiditis in susceptible individuals.

Other micronutrients also play vital roles. Selenium supports antioxidant defenses and hormone metabolism, while zinc and iron are essential for enzyme activity involved in hormone production. Deficiencies in these nutrients may increase the risk of thyroid dysfunction.

Meanwhile, low levels of vitamin D and B12 are commonly observed in individuals with autoimmune thyroid conditions, although supplementation is only beneficial when deficiencies are present.

Dietary patterns further shape thyroid outcomes. The Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and olive oil, is associated with lower inflammation and reduced thyroid autoantibodies.

In contrast, the Western diet—high in refined sugars, saturated fats, and processed foods—may նպ promote inflammation, oxidative stress, and gut microbiota imbalance, increasing disease risk.

Importantly, restrictive diets such as gluten-free or lactose-free regimens show no clear benefit for thyroid health unless medically indicated and may even cause nutrient deficiencies.

Overall, the review underscores that balanced, nutrient-rich diets—not extreme restrictions—are key to supporting thyroid function and reducing disease risk.

REFERENCE: Ruggeri, R.M., Virili, C., Mocini, E. Campennì, A., Centanni, M., Rotondi, M., Cannavò, S., Croce, L., & Migliaccio, S. (2026). The role of nutrition on thyroid health and disease: myths and facts. J Endocrinol Invest (2026). DOI: 10.1007/s40618-026-02852-0, https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40618-026-02852-0