Thyroid medication and milk should not be consumed together
Taking Levothyroxine, a synthetic thyroid hormone used to manage symptoms of an underactive thyroid, requires careful consideration regarding what to consume afterwards. According to the package insert and pharmacist Tabea Patz's advice in the magazine "Diabetes Advisor" (Issue 8/2025), it is essential to avoid certain substances for a specific duration after taking the medication to ensure its proper absorption.
For coffee or other caffeinated drinks, doctors advise waiting at least 30–60 minutes after taking levothyroxine to avoid potential interference with its absorption. Coffee can reduce the drug’s absorption by up to 50% if consumed sooner, potentially causing the symptoms of an underactive thyroid to reappear, such as fatigue, lack of drive, constipation, cold sensitivity, and weight gain.
Regarding milk and dairy products, levothyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach because calcium-rich foods can also reduce the drug’s absorption. It is recommended to avoid consuming dairy or calcium-containing foods for at least 2 to 4 hours after taking levothyroxine to ensure proper absorption.
Here's a summary of the recommended waiting times:
| Substance | Recommended Waiting Time After Levothyroxine | |----------------------|----------------------------------------------| | Coffee (caffeine) | At least 30 to 60 minutes | | Milk or dairy products| At least 2 to 4 hours |
To maximize the medication’s effectiveness, it is recommended to take levothyroxine on an empty stomach about 30–60 minutes before breakfast and delay dairy or coffee intake accordingly. It is also advised to take the levothyroxine tablet with a glass of still tap water half an hour before breakfast and avoid dairy products for at least two more hours after taking the tablet. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your body properly absorbs the active ingredient in levothyroxine and effectively manages the symptoms of an underactive thyroid.
- When considering supplements for health-and-wellness, it is essential to be mindful of the timing around taking them, especially in relation to levothyroxine, as some supplements may interfere with the absorption of the medication.
- Mental-health patients taking levothyroxine should be cautious about their nutrition choices, as certain foods, such as those high in calcium like milk and other dairy products, can decrease the medication's effectiveness if consumed within a few hours of taking levothyroxine.
- In the context of medical-conditions like an underactive thyroid that require levothyroxine management, it is crucial to adopt a balanced and mindful diet focusing on timely consumption of foods known to interact with the medication, promoting health-and-wellness and mental-health outcomes.
