Decrease in serum free triiodothyronine, thyroxine-binding globulin and thyroxine-binding prealbumin whilst taking a very-low-calorie diet

Abstract

Serum free triiodothyronine decreased significantly (P < 0.02) by 18 per cent (range from -8 to +47 per cent) in 13 grossly obese patients after 11 days (median) treatment (range 8-18 days) with a very-low-calorie diet consisting of 43.0 g protein, 30.4 g carbohydrate and 1.1 g lipid. Also a significant decrease was found in serum total triiodothyronine (P < 0.007), thyroxine-binding globulin (P < 0.008) and thyroxine-binding prealbumin (P < 0.005). No significant changes in serum free thyroxine, total thyroxine and TSH could be demonstrated.