✪ Key Takeaway: Scallops are good for hypothyroidism because they provide selenium and moderate iodine that support thyroid hormone production.
Introduction
Your doctor just told you that your thyroid is underactive and now every food choice feels like a minefield.
You are probably asking this question because you heard that seafood can help thyroid function, but you are not sure if scallops specifically make the cut or if they might actually make things worse.
Hi, I am Abdur, your nutrition coach, and today I am going to explain exactly how scallops affect your thyroid health and whether they deserve a spot on your plate.
What Makes Scallops Different From Other Seafood?
Scallops are bivalve mollusks that live in ocean waters and filter feed on plankton and organic matter.
Unlike fish that swim freely, scallops attach themselves to rocks or ocean floors and pump water through their bodies to extract nutrients.
This unique feeding method means they accumulate certain minerals differently than fish or crustaceans do.
A three-ounce serving of scallops provides about 137 calories, 24 grams of protein, and less than one gram of fat.
They contain vitamin B12, phosphorus, zinc, and most importantly for thyroid health, selenium and iodine.
The protein in scallops is complete, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids your body cannot make on its own.
What sets scallops apart is their mineral profile that directly influences thyroid hormone synthesis and conversion.
✪ Fact: Scallops contain approximately 18 micrograms of selenium per three-ounce serving, which is about 33 percent of your daily requirement.
How Does Your Thyroid Actually Work?
Your thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck that produces hormones controlling metabolism.
The main hormones are thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), with T4 being the inactive form that converts to active T3.
Hypothyroidism occurs when your thyroid does not produce enough of these hormones, leading to fatigue, weight gain, cold sensitivity, and brain fog.
The most common cause is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition where your immune system attacks your thyroid tissue.
Your thyroid needs iodine to make thyroid hormones, but it also needs selenium for the enzymes that convert T4 to T3.
Without adequate selenium, your body cannot efficiently use the thyroid hormones it produces, even if iodine levels are sufficient.
This is why simply flooding your body with iodine without considering selenium can actually worsen thyroid function in some cases.
✪ Note: The enzyme deiodinase, which requires selenium, is responsible for converting inactive T4 into active T3 in your tissues.
Why Does Selenium Matter So Much For Hypothyroidism?
Selenium is a trace mineral that acts as a cofactor for enzymes called selenoproteins that protect your thyroid from oxidative damage.
When your thyroid produces hormones, it generates hydrogen peroxide as a byproduct, which can damage thyroid cells if not neutralized.
Selenoproteins like glutathione peroxidase break down this hydrogen peroxide, preventing inflammation and tissue damage.
Research shows that selenium supplementation can reduce thyroid antibodies in people with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis by up to 40 percent.
The mineral also supports the conversion of T4 to T3 through deiodinase enzymes, making your thyroid medication work more effectively.
People with hypothyroidism often have lower selenium levels than those with normal thyroid function, creating a vicious cycle of poor hormone production.
Getting selenium from food sources like scallops is generally safer than supplementation because it is harder to reach toxic levels from diet alone.
✪ Pro Tip: Pair selenium-rich foods with vitamin E sources like almonds to enhance antioxidant protection for your thyroid gland.
What About The Iodine Content In Scallops?
Scallops contain moderate amounts of iodine, providing roughly 90 to 140 micrograms per three-ounce serving depending on where they were harvested.
This amount represents about 60 to 93 percent of the recommended daily intake of 150 micrograms for adults.
Iodine is the building block of thyroid hormones, and deficiency is the most common cause of hypothyroidism worldwide.
However, too much iodine can actually trigger or worsen hypothyroidism in people with autoimmune thyroid disease by increasing inflammation.
The iodine level in scallops is generally safe for most people with hypothyroidism when consumed as part of a balanced diet.
Unlike kelp or seaweed that can contain excessive iodine levels, scallops provide a more moderate amount that supports without overwhelming your thyroid.
If you are already taking thyroid medication, the iodine from scallops will not interfere with your treatment when eaten in reasonable portions.
✪ Note: Always wait at least four hours after taking thyroid medication before consuming iodine-rich foods to ensure proper absorption.
Can Scallops Actually Improve Your Thyroid Symptoms?
Eating scallops regularly can support thyroid function by providing the raw materials your body needs for hormone production and conversion.
The high-quality protein in scallops helps stabilize blood sugar, which is important because blood sugar swings can worsen thyroid symptoms.
The zinc content supports immune function and may help reduce the autoimmune attack on your thyroid in Hashimoto’s disease.
Vitamin B12 in scallops addresses a common deficiency in people with hypothyroidism, helping combat fatigue and brain fog.
The low fat content means scallops will not slow down your already sluggish metabolism or contribute to weight gain.
However, scallops alone cannot reverse hypothyroidism or replace medication if your doctor has prescribed it.
Think of scallops as one piece of a larger puzzle that includes proper medication, stress management, sleep, and overall nutrient-dense eating.
✪ Pro Tip: Cook scallops quickly over high heat to preserve their selenium content, as overcooking can degrade heat-sensitive nutrients.
Are There Any Risks To Eating Scallops With Hypothyroidism?
The main concern with scallops is potential mercury contamination, though scallops are actually among the lowest-mercury seafood options available.
Some people with shellfish allergies may react to scallops, experiencing symptoms ranging from mild hives to severe anaphylaxis.
If you have never eaten scallops before, start with a small portion to test your tolerance.
Scallops can accumulate environmental toxins if harvested from polluted waters, so choosing wild-caught scallops from clean sources matters.
Some commercially sold scallops are treated with sodium tripolyphosphate to retain moisture, which adds unnecessary sodium to your diet.
Look for dry-packed scallops without additives, which also taste better and develop a proper sear when cooked.
Eating scallops more than three times per week might provide excessive iodine for some individuals with sensitive thyroid conditions.
✪ Fact: Scallops contain only about 0.003 parts per million of mercury, making them one of the safest seafood choices for regular consumption.
The Bottom Line
Scallops are genuinely beneficial for hypothyroidism because they provide selenium for hormone conversion and moderate iodine for hormone production without overwhelming your system.
Good nutrition supports good health, but it works best when you understand what your body actually needs rather than following random food trends.
I would love to hear your experience with scallops or any questions you have about managing hypothyroidism through diet, so please share your thoughts 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:
- Healthline: Scallops: Nutrition, Benefits, and Preparation
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid)
- PubMed Central: Selenium and the Thyroid
- British Thyroid Foundation: Diets and Supplements for Thyroid Disorders
- Natural Endocrine Solutions: Is Eating Seafood Harmful or Beneficial for Thyroid Health?
