✪ Key Takeaway: Black currant oil does not directly treat hypothyroidism but may reduce inflammation that worsens thyroid function.
Introduction
You walk into a health store and see bottles of black currant oil claiming to support thyroid health.
You might be asking this question because your thyroid medication alone does not make you feel completely better, or perhaps you want natural options to support your treatment.
Hi, I am Abdur, your nutrition coach, and today I am going to explain whether black currant oil can actually help with hypothyroidism and what the science really shows.
What Exactly Is Black Currant Oil?
Black currant oil comes from the seeds of black currant berries, which are small dark purple fruits native to Europe and Asia.
This oil contains a unique fatty acid called gamma-linolenic acid or GLA, which your body normally makes from omega-6 fats you eat.
GLA acts as a building block for substances in your body that control inflammation, immune responses, and various cellular functions.
Black currant oil typically contains about 15 to 20 percent GLA, making it one of the richest plant sources of this fatty acid.
Some people cannot efficiently convert regular omega-6 fats into GLA due to age, stress, poor diet, or certain health conditions.
This is why supplementing with black currant oil became popular as a way to bypass that conversion step and deliver GLA directly to your body.
The oil also contains other beneficial compounds like omega-3 fats, vitamin E, and antioxidants that may support overall health.
✪ Fact: Black currant oil contains more GLA than evening primrose oil, which is another popular supplement for inflammation.
How Does Hypothyroidism Work In Your Body?
Hypothyroidism means your thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones to meet your body’s needs.
Your thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland in your neck that makes hormones called T4 and T3, which control how fast your cells use energy.
When thyroid hormone levels drop too low, your metabolism slows down, causing symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, cold sensitivity, dry skin, and brain fog.
The most common cause of hypothyroidism in developed countries is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition where your immune system attacks your thyroid tissue.
This immune attack creates chronic inflammation in the thyroid gland, gradually destroying the cells that make thyroid hormones.
Other causes include iodine deficiency, certain medications, radiation treatment, thyroid surgery, or problems with your pituitary gland.
Standard treatment involves taking synthetic thyroid hormone medication like levothyroxine to replace what your thyroid cannot make on its own.
✪ Note: About 5 percent of the general population has some form of hypothyroidism, with women being five to eight times more likely to develop it than men.
Does Black Currant Oil Directly Affect Thyroid Hormone Production?
No scientific evidence shows that black currant oil directly increases the production of thyroid hormones T4 or T3.
Your thyroid needs specific nutrients like iodine, selenium, zinc, and iron to make hormones, but GLA from black currant oil is not one of those essential building blocks.
Black currant oil does not contain iodine or other nutrients that your thyroid gland uses to synthesize thyroid hormones.
Research has not demonstrated that taking black currant oil supplements can lower your TSH levels or increase your free T4 or T3 levels.
If you have hypothyroidism and need thyroid hormone replacement, black currant oil cannot substitute for your prescribed medication.
The connection between black currant oil and thyroid health is more indirect, working through inflammation pathways rather than hormone production.
This is an important distinction because many people mistakenly believe that natural supplements can replace thyroid medication, which can be dangerous.
✪ Pro Tip: Never stop or reduce your thyroid medication without consulting your doctor, even if you start taking supplements.
Can Black Currant Oil Help With Autoimmune Thyroid Disease?
This is where black currant oil might offer some benefit for people with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
The GLA in black currant oil converts into substances called prostaglandins that help regulate your immune system and reduce inflammation.
Some research suggests that GLA supplementation may help balance immune responses and decrease the production of inflammatory compounds.
In autoimmune thyroid disease, reducing overall inflammation might slow down the immune attack on your thyroid tissue.
However, no large-scale clinical trials have specifically tested black currant oil in people with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis to measure its effects on thyroid antibody levels or disease progression.
Most evidence for GLA and autoimmune conditions comes from studies on rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases, not thyroid disorders.
While the anti-inflammatory properties are promising, we cannot make definitive claims about black currant oil treating or reversing autoimmune thyroid disease based on current evidence.
✪ Note: You are probably confusing black currant oil with black seed oil, which has more research showing potential benefits for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
What About Black Currant Oil For Hypothyroidism Symptoms?
Some hypothyroidism symptoms like dry skin, joint pain, and mood changes might improve with black currant oil supplementation.
The GLA in black currant oil supports skin health by improving moisture retention and reducing inflammation that causes dryness and irritation.
Research shows that GLA supplementation can help with inflammatory joint conditions, which some people with hypothyroidism experience.
The omega-3 fats and antioxidants in black currant oil may also support brain function and mood regulation.
However, these benefits address symptoms rather than the underlying thyroid problem itself.
If your thyroid medication dose is correct and your hormone levels are optimal, you should not experience severe hypothyroidism symptoms that need additional supplementation.
Persistent symptoms despite proper medication often indicate other issues like nutrient deficiencies, poor gut health, chronic stress, or inadequate thyroid hormone conversion from T4 to T3.
✪ Pro Tip: Work with your doctor to optimize your thyroid medication before adding supplements to address lingering symptoms.
Should You Take Black Currant Oil If You Have Hypothyroidism?
Black currant oil is generally safe for most people when taken in appropriate doses, typically 500 to 1000 milligrams daily.
If you have autoimmune thyroid disease and want to try reducing inflammation naturally, black currant oil might be worth considering as part of a comprehensive approach.
However, you should prioritize proven strategies first, including optimizing your thyroid medication, addressing nutrient deficiencies, managing stress, improving sleep quality, and eating an anti-inflammatory diet.
Black currant oil should never replace your thyroid medication or other evidence-based treatments your doctor recommends.
Some people may experience mild side effects like digestive upset, headaches, or a temporary increase in inflammation when starting GLA supplements.
If you take blood-thinning medications or have a bleeding disorder, consult your doctor before using black currant oil because it may affect blood clotting.
The quality of supplements varies significantly, so choose products from reputable companies that test for purity and potency.
✪ Fact: Black seed oil, not black currant oil, has shown more promising results in clinical studies for reducing thyroid antibodies in Hashimoto’s patients.
The Bottom Line
Black currant oil does not directly treat hypothyroidism or increase thyroid hormone production, but it may help reduce inflammation associated with autoimmune thyroid disease.
Supplements work best when they support good foundations, not replace them, so focus on proper medication, nutrition, and lifestyle habits first before adding extras like black currant oil.
I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, especially if you have tried black currant oil or other supplements for your thyroid health.
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:
- Thyroid Pharmacist: Black Seed Oil and Hashimoto’s
- PubMed: Effects of Nigella sativa on thyroid function
- PMC: Gamma-linolenic acid and immune function
- American Thyroid Association: Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Thyroid Disease
