Thyroid Matrix BA

Provides nutrients necessary for thyroid hormone synthesis, including L-tyrosine, vitamin A, and iodine. Minerals such as selenium, zinc, manganese, and copper are required to properly activate and convert thyroid hormone and improve receptor sensitivity. All minerals are delivered in their highly stable and bioavailable amino acid chelate forms. Bacopa monnieri and KSM-66® Withania somnifera, standardized to a potent 5% withanolide content, are included for their ability to aid in cortisol regulation and upregulate thyroid function. Vitamin B12 is added because deficiencies in this key vitamin have been shown to be prevalent in populations with autoimmune thyroid disease, often due to concomitant atrophic gastritis or malabsorption problems. Low thyroid function, in the form of overt or subclinical hypothyroidism, has become one of the most widespread health problems in the developed world today. While there are many contributing factors, some commonly identified risk factors include poor diet, excessive stress, and polypharmacy. Thyroid Matrix BA is a blend of nutrients designed to address all of these factors and improve and optimize thyroid function. L-tyrosine is the amino acid that makes up 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 can improve cognition during periods of stress caused by sleep deprivation, cold exposure, combat training, and unpleasant background noise. The inclusion of L-tyrosine in Thyroid Matrix BA is essential for dual thyroid and adrenal care.

Regarding 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 in a metabolically disadvantageous state. Zinc, iodine, manganese, and copper are also necessary for the proper production of thyroid hormones, while zinc is also particularly important for increasing the sensitivity of thyroid receptors. All of these minerals are found in highly bioavailable forms, fully chelated with glycine for optimal stability and absorption.

With regard to vitamins, vitamin A is an interesting nutrient that appears to work synergistically with iodine to regulate thyroid health, while directly improving thyroid hormone transport and receptors on target tissues. In animals, vitamin A deficiency leads to reduced thyroid hormone synthesis and thyroid enlargement due to decreased iodine uptake. In children with even mild vitamin A deficiency, elevated TSH and less active T4 hormone have been observed. Interestingly, in iodide-deficient children, vitamin A supplementation led not only to improved iodide efficacy, but also to reduced TSH and a lower risk of hypothyroidism. Vitamin B12 is another important vitamin in some patients with thyroid problems, typically deficient in up to 55% of patients with autoimmune thyroid disease, possibly due to low stomach acid, malabsorption, or even autoimmune gastritis. Finally, we have plant extracts such as Bacopa monnieri and KSM-66® Withania somnifera that may have a positive impact on the progression 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. Additionally, bacopa has been shown to lower cortisol levels. Poor cognition and unbalanced cortisol levels are associated with thyroid dysfunction. Withania somnifera from KSM-66® is also better known for its adaptogenic properties and its 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 and increased TSH and T4 concentrations.

Collectively, all of these ingredients in Thyroid Matrix BA support thyroid health 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 compared to Thyroid Matrix, as it contains the addition of vitamins A, B12, Bacopa monnieri, and a higher dosage of Withania somnifera with a higher percentage of withanolide standardization (5% and 1.5%, respectively).