Besides iodine, the thyroid needs specific nutrients in order to be healthy and function optimally. These nutrients include high quality protein, B12, magnesium, and zinc to produce TSH; iodine, B2, and vitamin C to produce T4; and vitamin A & D to activate cell receptors to receive T3. Commonly found in thyroid patients are low iron levels due to low stomach acid that causes a decline in red blood cell levels and results in an excess of T4 to pool in the blood. This excess T4 requires an excess amount of reverse T3 to help rid the blood of the excess T4. As a naturopathic practitioner and naturopath, Dr. Jenkins recommends his patients to do a SpectraCell lab test which analyses your blood for 35 nutritional components including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and amino acids.