Ayurvedic vegetarian diet for primary hypothyroidism
Ayurvedic Diet as a Supplement to Levothyroxine Treatment of Myxedema
This study will try an Ayurvedic vegetarian diet alongside usual levothyroxine to see if it helps adults with primary hypothyroidism who have the Vishamagni digestive type.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 88 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 90 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Copenhagen Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Copenhagen, Frederiksberg and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07323706 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This interventional study compares a prescribed Ayurvedic vegetarian diet to participants' habitual diet as an add-on to standard levothyroxine treatment. Eligible participants are adults with primary hypothyroidism on unchanged medication for at least six months and classified as the Vishamagni digestion type, while pregnant or lactating people, those on other prescription drugs, or with prior Ayurvedic treatment are excluded. The intervention aims to alter dietary patterns and the gut microbiome to reduce persistent symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and cognitive complaints despite normalized thyroid hormone levels. Study visits are conducted at the University of Copenhagen and an Ayurvedic clinic in Sorø, with symptom and thyroid-related outcomes tracked over the intervention period.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults with primary hypothyroidism on stable levothyroxine for at least six months who are identified as having the Vishamagni digestive type and willing to follow an Ayurvedic vegetarian diet.
Not a fit: People with secondary or central hypothyroidism, unstable thyroid medication, concurrent prescription medications, prior Ayurvedic treatment, or who are pregnant or breastfeeding are unlikely to be eligible or to benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the diet could reduce persistent symptoms and improve quality of life for people whose thyroid hormone levels are controlled by medication but who still feel unwell.
How similar studies have performed: Some dietary and microbiome-focused interventions have shown promise for metabolic and thyroid-related health, but using a formal Ayurvedic diet as an adjunct to levothyroxine remains largely untested in rigorous clinical trials.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * diagnosed with primary hypothyroidism * primary digestive type Vishamagni * under medical treatment for hypothyroidism * unchanged medication for the past 6 months Exclusion Criteria: * previous Ayurvedic treatment * prescription drugs other than medication for hypothyroidism * pregnancy * lactating women.
Where this trial is running
Copenhagen, Frederiksberg and 1 other locations
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports — Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark (Recruiting)
- Ayuvedic Clinic, Sorø — Sorø, Denmark (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Mette Westerholt, MSc — Ayus
- Study coordinator: Jens Rikardt Andersen, MD, MPA
- Email: jra@nexs.ku.dk
- Phone: 0045 35332504
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.