Question from Albert S.: I am 60 years old and cycle around 5,000 to 6,000 kilometres a year, around 1,000 of which are on a tandem with my wife. Then we both had an operation on our thyroid glands, which was partially removed in my case and completely removed in my wife's case. We now have to take daily medication with iodine (thyranoiodine 100) and/or thyroxine. We got to know "frubiase Sport Ausdauer" through a trial pack and cycled almost 100 kilometres with it. Afterwards, we felt better muscularly and mentally than usual. The iodine and vitamins contained in the drink are in high doses. Is this safe for us or can it cause problems? What else should I bear in mind when training after thyroid surgery?
Dr Robert Eifler: I attribute the positive effect of the drink to the disaccharide isomaltose or palatinose. It is metabolised more slowly than glucose or beet sugar, which keeps the blood sugar level constant for longer. The iodine content of the preparation is 90 micrograms per single dose, which together with your medication almost corresponds to the recommended daily dose. You should not consume more than this in addition to your usual diet. In addition to L-thyroxine, it is harmless and the vitamin doses are also tolerable. In general, Germany is an iodine deficiency area except in coastal regions. Iodine deficiency leads to thyroid growth and goitre - and can lead to hypothyroidism: Basal metabolic rate, temperature and performance drop, and despite a reduced appetite, weight gain occurs. If too much iodine is ingested - through tablets or algae preparations - hyperthyroidism occurs. In all thyroid operations, the gland is reduced in size or removed. Hormones and, initially, iodine must then be replaced. Cycling training is possible without restriction even after an operation, as adjusted by the doctor. However, care should be taken not to take in too much additional iodine through sports drinks, food supplements and mineral supplements.
