Extreme fatigue, unsuccessful attempts to lose weight, mood swings, dry skin, constipation, swollen throat, and many other symptoms may be a sign of Hashimoto’s disease that slows down the metabolic rate. This thyroid disorder that develops slowly is increasing at a rapid rate. Other thyroid disorders like Graves’ disease that cause hyperthyroidism are also a problem. In a review article published in Nutrients, researchers have looked at how nutrients such as iodine, selenium, iron, zinc, and vitamin D support the thyroid gland, the body’s production of thyroid hormones, and the regulation of chronic inflammation of the thyroid gland. Millions of people around the world lack one or several nutrients that are needed to prevent and treat these common thyroid disorders. Lack of nutrients can also explain why many people receiving medical therapy for their condition aren’t helped. The digestive system and food intolerance may also play a role.

AMD is a common eye disorder that involves symptoms such as blurred central vision and eventual blindness. There are two types of AMD – a wet and a dry form. Neither is curable. However, in a new analysis of data, researchers from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the US have found new evidence showing that high-dosed daily supplementation with antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin combined with different vitamins and minerals can delay the development of the eye disease and late stages of the dry form of AMD. This could potentially help people with dry AMD maintain part of their central vision. The mentioned antioxidants that are found in eggs and various vegetables may also prevent AMD, altogether.

The condition of our skin means a lot to our appearance and health, and being deficient in one or several nutrients can cause premature skin ageing. Also, things like poor wound healing, acne, herpes infections, yeast infections, eczema, psoriasis, and other skin disorders may occur. In a review article published in Medicina, scientists have looked at the role of vitamins A, C, E, D, and biotin plus omega-3 fatty acids in skin health. Studies suggest that selenium and zinc may also be important for healthy skin and anti-ageing. If you don’t get enough of these nutrients or if you simply have an increased need for them, you may consider taking a supplement.

In the case of wounds or skin lesions, an active form of vitamin A regulates how stem cells initiate healing processes and produce new skin. This was demonstrated in a study from Rockefeller University that is published in the journal Science. In the future, researchers plan to look closer at how active vitamin A can be used to regulate stem cells as a way of preventing and treating skin cancer.