Daily Mail: coffee reduces effectiveness of thyroid medication

Coffee consumption before taking thyroid medications can significantly reduce their effectiveness. This is reported by the Daily Mail with reference to the words of the pharmacist of Kingston University (UK) Deepa Kamda.

According to the specialist, coffee drunk immediately before taking drugs like levothyroxine can reduce their absorption by the body up to 50%. Levothyroxine is a synthetic hormone used to treat hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones.

Caffeine speeds up intestinal peristalsis - the movement of contents through the digestive tract. This shortens the time in which the drug can be absorbed in the stomach. Coffee also promotes the binding of levothyroxine with other substances, reducing bioavailability - that is, the amount of active ingredient entering the bloodstream.

This interaction is particularly characteristic of tablet forms of levothyroxine, while liquid forms are less affected. 

Impaired absorption of such medications can lead to a return of hypothyroidism symptoms - fatigue, constipation, weight gain - even when all medication recommendations are followed. Dr. Kamda advises a pause of 30 to 60 minutes between taking the medication and drinking coffee or eating a meal.

A similar recommendation applies to other medications such as bisphosphonates - drugs used for osteoporosis.