The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped organ located just below the larynx at the front of the neck. Despite its small size, it does a big job, since it is responsible for the conversion of iodine into the hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).

This process helps control the body's metabolism, helping to convert oxygen and calories into energy as needed. Proper thyroid support is critical to the healthy functioning of this mighty gland, which plays an essential role in the production of crucial hormones necessary for maintaining good health.

Many individuals are deficient in consuming enough iodine naturally from the foods that they eat, but there are a number of ways to provide necessary thyroid support by supplementing the diet with certain vitamins and minerals. A multivitamin that features iodine, zinc and selenium can prove extremely beneficial in aiding the thyroid gland in the production of thyroid hormones that facilitate a healthy metabolic rate in the body.

Vitamin E and Vitamin D are two additional nutrients offering important thyroid support. They serve as antioxidant agents that prevent thyroid cells from experiencing premature aging and oxidative damage due to scavenging free radicals. Other antioxidants such as pygnongenol and lipoic acid are also nourishing to the thyroid, as are essential fatty acids (EFAs) in a two to one ratio of Omega 3 and Omega 6.

Adding extra amino acids to the system via quality supplements is crucial for anyone suffering from thyroid disorders, since free-form amino acids are crucial elements for maintaining the healthy thyroid function that impacts all of the other organs and systems in the body.