✪ Key Takeaway: Monkfish is excellent for hypothyroidism because it provides selenium and omega-3s that support thyroid hormone conversion and reduce inflammation.
Introduction
Your thyroid is struggling and someone just told you to eat more fish.
You might be wondering if that ugly bottom-dwelling monkfish sitting at the fish market could actually help your sluggish thyroid work better.
Hi, I’m Abdur, your nutrition coach and today I’m going to explain exactly how monkfish affects your thyroid function and whether it deserves a regular spot on your plate when you have hypothyroidism.
What Makes Monkfish Special For Your Thyroid?
Monkfish contains selenium, a mineral that your thyroid absolutely needs to function properly.
Your thyroid produces an inactive hormone called T4, but your body needs to convert it into the active form called T3 to actually use it.
This conversion happens through enzymes called deiodinases, and these enzymes depend entirely on selenium to work.
Without enough selenium, your body cannot convert T4 to T3 efficiently, which means you will continue feeling tired, cold, and sluggish even if your thyroid is producing hormones.
A 100-gram serving of monkfish provides approximately 40 micrograms of selenium, which is about 73 percent of your daily requirement.
Beyond selenium, monkfish also delivers high-quality protein with all essential amino acids your body needs to build and repair thyroid tissue.
The omega-3 fatty acids in monkfish help reduce inflammation throughout your body, including in your thyroid gland itself.
✪ Fact: Selenium deficiency can reduce thyroid hormone production by up to 40 percent, making adequate intake critical for hypothyroidism management.
How Does Selenium Actually Help Hypothyroidism?
Selenium does not just help convert thyroid hormones.
It also protects your thyroid gland from oxidative damage that happens during hormone production.
When your thyroid makes hormones, it generates hydrogen peroxide as a byproduct, which can damage thyroid cells if not neutralized quickly.
Selenium-dependent enzymes called glutathione peroxidases break down this hydrogen peroxide before it causes harm.
Research shows that people with autoimmune thyroid conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis have lower selenium levels than healthy individuals.
Supplementing with selenium has been shown to reduce thyroid antibodies and improve thyroid function in some studies.
Getting selenium from whole food sources like monkfish is generally safer than supplements because you are less likely to consume too much.
✪ Pro Tip: Pair monkfish with selenium-rich vegetables like mushrooms and garlic to maximize your thyroid-supporting nutrient intake.
Does Monkfish Provide Enough Iodine For Thyroid Function?
Iodine is the building block of thyroid hormones, and without it, your thyroid cannot produce T4 or T3 at all.
Monkfish contains some iodine, but the amount varies significantly depending on where the fish was caught and what it ate.
Ocean fish generally contain more iodine than freshwater fish because seawater has higher iodine concentrations.
While monkfish contributes to your iodine intake, it should not be your only source if you have hypothyroidism.
You need approximately 150 micrograms of iodine daily, and relying solely on monkfish might not meet this requirement consistently.
Combining monkfish with other iodine sources like seaweed, dairy products, and iodized salt ensures you get adequate amounts.
Too much iodine can actually worsen hypothyroidism in some people, especially those with autoimmune thyroid disease, so balance matters more than quantity.
✪ Note: If you have Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, excessive iodine intake can trigger thyroid inflammation and worsen your symptoms.
What Role Do Omega-3 Fatty Acids Play In Thyroid Health?
Chronic inflammation interferes with thyroid hormone production and conversion throughout your body.
The omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA found in monkfish have powerful anti-inflammatory effects that can benefit your thyroid.
These fatty acids help reduce inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein and interleukin-6, which are often elevated in people with hypothyroidism.
Omega-3s also improve cell membrane fluidity, which helps thyroid hormones enter cells more easily and work more effectively.
Studies suggest that people with higher omega-3 intake have better thyroid function and lower rates of autoimmune thyroid disease.
A 100-gram serving of monkfish provides approximately 200-400 milligrams of omega-3s, which is a decent contribution toward your daily needs.
Eating fatty fish like monkfish two to three times weekly can significantly improve your omega-3 status and support better thyroid function.
✪ Pro Tip: Cook monkfish with olive oil and herbs instead of deep frying to preserve its omega-3 content and maximize anti-inflammatory benefits.
Are There Any Risks Of Eating Monkfish With Hypothyroidism?
Monkfish is generally safe for people with hypothyroidism, but you should be aware of potential concerns.
Like most large predatory fish, monkfish can accumulate mercury in its tissues over time.
Mercury exposure can interfere with thyroid function and hormone production, especially if you consume contaminated fish regularly.
However, monkfish has moderate mercury levels compared to high-mercury fish like swordfish and king mackerel.
Eating monkfish once or twice weekly is generally considered safe for most adults, including those with thyroid conditions.
Pregnant women and young children should limit their intake to avoid potential developmental risks from mercury exposure.
Always source your monkfish from reputable suppliers who follow proper fishing and handling practices to minimize contamination risks.
✪ Note: Rotating different types of seafood throughout the week reduces your exposure to any single contaminant while maximizing nutrient variety.
The Bottom Line
Monkfish is genuinely beneficial for hypothyroidism because it provides selenium for hormone conversion, omega-3s for inflammation control, and quality protein for thyroid tissue repair.
Your thyroid needs the right nutrients from real food, not just medication alone.
I would love to hear your experience with including fish in your thyroid-supporting diet, so please share your thoughts, questions, or concerns in the comments below.
References
At NutritionCrown, we use quality and credible sources to ensure our content is accurate and trustworthy. Below are the sources referenced in writing this article:
- PMC: Selenium and Thyroid Disease
- PMC: Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Inflammation
- Paloma Health: Omega-3s Thyroid Diet Benefits
- British Thyroid Foundation: Diets and Supplements for Thyroid Disorders
