NP thyroid and Nature-Throid are both forms of natural desiccated thyroid (NDT) medication. They are both very similar medications, and they are both considered to be viable alternatives to Armour Thyroid.
Both medications are made from the same source – porcine thyroid glands. The main differences between NP thyroid and Nature-Throid are the tablets’ inactive ingredients and the Thyroid (USP) source. Does that make a difference? Read to find out!
Table of Contents
What is Nature-Throid?
Nature-Throid is a medication used to treat hypothyroidism. It is produced by RLC Labs and comes in 13 different strengths. Nature-Throid is one of the oldest brands of natural desiccated thyroid (NDT), and many people trust it to treat their condition effectively. The medication works by replacing the missing hormones that are typically produced by the thyroid gland.
As a result, it can help to improve symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and hair loss. Nature-Throid is generally well-tolerated, but some people may experience side effects such as headache, diarrhea, or joint pain. If you are considering taking Nature-Throid, be sure to speak with your doctor first to ensure that it is the right treatment for you.
NDT medications are considered to be more bioidentical active than synthetic thyroid medications, and some people prefer them because they feel they work better. Nature-Throid is manufactured by RLC Labs, and it comes in 11 strengths:
- 16.25mg (1/4 grain)
- 32.5mg (1/2 grain)
- 48.75mg (3/4 grain)
- 65mg (1 grain)
- 81.25mg (1 1/4 grain)
- 97.5mg (1 1/2 grain)
- 113.75mg (1 3/4 grain)
- 130mg (2 grain)
- 146.25mg (2 1/4 grain)
- 162.5mg (2 1/2 grain)
- 195mg (3 grain)
What is NP Thyroid?
NP Thyroid also is an NDT medication prescribed as replacement therapy for thyroid hormones to treat hypothyroidism, goiter, and related conditions, like thyroid cancer. The thyroid tablets are derived from porcine desiccated thyroid glands and prepared with tested components. It’s on of the newer NDT medications on the USA market.
NP Thyroid is manufactured by Acella, and it comes in 5 strengths:
- 15mg (1/4 grain)
- 30mg (1/2 grain)
- 60mg (1grain)
- 90mg (11/2grain)
- 120mg (2 grain)
Which is better Nature-Throid or NP Thyroid?
Nature-Throid and NP Thyroid are both forms of natural desiccated thyroid (NDT) therapy. They are both made from porcine thyroid glands, but the ingredients and ratios of hormones in each formulation can vary. Some people find that Nature-Throid works better for them, while others prefer NP Thyroid. There is no one “right” answer – it’s important to work with a doctor to find the NDT formulation that is best for you.
RLC Labs use Thyroid USP from The USA for their all-natural thyroid medications, while Acella used a Chines source of Thyroid USP until 2018.
However, after that year, the rumor has it, that Acella Pharmaceuticals still source its Thyroid powder from China – just from a different supplier. Once Nature-Throid will return to the medical market, RLC Labs will switch to a different US supplier.
In 2022 Nature-Throid (and Armour Thyroid) is better for the aims of hormone replacement. NP Thyroid medications were cheaper and more available to the patients. A lot of patients report NP Thyroid as less effective thyroid medication, even though Nature-Throid has been unavailable since 2020.
How many hormones (T3 and T4) does Nature-Throid have?
- 16.25mg (1/4 grain) 9.5 mcg T4, 2.25 mcg T3
- 32.5mg (1/2 grain) 19 mcg T4, 4.5 mcg T3
- 48.75mg (3/4 grain) 28.5 mcg T4, 6.75 mcg T3
- 65mg (1 grain) 38 mcg T4, 9 mcg T3
- 81.25mg (1 1/4 grain) 47.5 mcg T4, 11.25 mcg T3
- 97.5mg (1 1/2 grain) 57 mcg T4, 13.5 mcg T3
- 113.75mg (1 3/4 grain) 66.5 mcg T4, 15.75 mcg T3
- 130mg (2 grain) 76 mcg T4, 18 mcg T3
- 146.25mg (2 1/4 grain) 85.5 mcg T4, 20.25 mcg T3
- 162.5mg (2 1/2 grain) 95 mcg T4, 22.5 mcg T3
- 195mg (3 grain) 114 mcg T4, 27 mcg T3
NP Thyroid inactive ingredients
NP Thyroid contains the following inactive ingredients:
- calcium stearate
- dextrose monohydrate (glucose)
- maltodextrin (carbohydrate powder)
- mineral oil.
NP Thyroid is lactose-free and gluten-free.
Nature-Throid inactive ingredients:
- Colloidal silicon dioxide
- Dicalcium Phosphate
- Lactose Monohydrate
- Magnesium Stearate
- Microcrystalline Cellulose
- Croscarmellose Sodium
- Stearic acid,
- Opadry II 85F19316 Clear
NP Thyroid costs vs Nature-Throid costs
Natural thyroid medication can be expensive, but there are a few affordable options on the market. NP Thyroid is one of the least expensive medications available, and it used to be just as effective as other NDT thyroid brands.
Unfortunately, the quality of NP Thyroid has decreased significantly. Patients may need to compare the costs of different thyroid medications to make sure they are getting the best deal.
Nevertheless, many individuals may need to look for an alternative hypothyroidism treatment depending on their budget and healthcare provider.
This is why you should consider Real Thyroid or VitaliThy (use the coupon code ‘WM 2022’ to get 15 USD from your first order to see the results yourself).
Nature-Throid vs NP Thyroid conversion chart
Drawbacks of NP Thyroid vs, Nature-Throid
As mentioned earlier Nature-Throid (along with WP Thyroid) had a voluntary withdrawal by RLC Labs on the 3d of September 2020 and is currently unavailable to the patients. The reason behind the act is the alleged sub potency of the tablets.
NP thyroid is still available as a treatment option for patients with hypothyroidism. However, the patients also frequently complain about decreased potency and smell (people report they smell like cat urine or cat feces). A decrease in potency might be related to lower absorption due to the product’s reformulation.
NP Thyroid vs Nature-Throid review score
The search online demonstrates the following review scores for Natural thyroid medications (as reported by the patients):
- NP Thyroid score: 1/10
- Nature Throid score: 3/10*
*There is a possibility of the score being changed after it becomes available again in 2023.
FAQ NP Thyroid vs Nature-Throid
To aid inquiries you may have about the therapy; please refer to the FAQ below (remember to request medical advice diagnosis from your healthcare provider or doctor before treatment):
Is NP Thyroid and Nature-Throid a natural or synthetic medication?
Both NP Thyroid and Nature-Throid are natural medications since they are made from a desiccated gland rather than synthetic resources. This reason is why Desiccated Thyroid medications can be used for T4 and T3 hormone replacement.
Importantly, as the FDA report, natural and synthetic components may produce a difference (i.e., side effects), which mainly depends on the individual.
Which medication is more affordable?
After Nature-Throid became unavailable on the healthcare market, NP Thyroid became the cheapest option.
What are the side effects of Np Thyroid or Nature-Throid?
Side effects are unlikely and depend on the individual. Both drugs treating underactive thyroid may cause increased sweating, nervousness, weight loss, diarrhea, headache, and shortness of breath.
What is equivalent to Nature-Throid or What is the best alternative to Armour Thyroid?
The brand often plays a role in the patients’ health. The summary below is a list of medications or supplements used in natural hormone replacement therapy, equivalent to Nature-Throid.
- Real Thyroid
- Armour Thyroid
- Erfa Thyroid
- NP Thyroid
- Thyroid-S
- Thiroyd
- TR Thyroid
- Wp Thyroid (Westhroid Pure)
- VitaliThy
Has Nature-Throid been discontinued?
The future of Nature-Throid is uncertain. The rumor is that the medicine will be returning to patients in early 2023, but there are so many unknowns at this point…
A valuable alternative of Nature-Throid mentioned earlier is Armour Thyroid, Thyroid-S, Real Thyroid, VitaliThy, Thiroyd or TR Thyroid.
When can I get Nature Throid again?
Unfortunately, Nature-Throid has had low availability since early 2018. There is no word yet on when it will be fully available again, but some people speculate that it will be available in early 2023. Unfortunately, Nature-Throid has been unavailable for over two years now.
What is Nature-Throid made from?
It is made from desiccated porcine thyroids, which means it is made of pigs.
Is Nature-Throid back on the market 2022?
Unfortunately no, It will be probably back around early 2023.
Where to buy Nature Throid in The US or where to purchase Nature-Throid?
Nature-Throid is a medication that has been used to treat thyroid conditions for over 80 years. Unfortunately, it is currently unavailable in the United States. However, there is hope that it will be back on the market in 2023. In the meantime, patients can continue to purchase Nature-Throid alternatives such as:
- Armour Thyroid
- Thyroid-S
- Real Thyroid
- VitaliThy
What country is NP Thyroid manufactured?
Acella Pharmaceuticals, LLC, is based in Alpharetta, GA, USA. They have been an industry leader in natural thyroid medications for few years.
However, the active ingredient in the medication, Thyroid USP, is most likely sourced from China. China is the world’s leading producer of thyroid USP, and many other medications are sourced from China as well. If you have any concerns about taking NP Thyroid, talk to your doctor.
Is Nature-Throid the same as Armour Thyroid?
There are some people who have been taking Armour Thyroid instead of Nature-Thyroid because it’s not always available. The main active ingredient of both prescriptions is Thyroid (USP), which makes Armour Thyroid an effective treatment for thyroid diseases.
What is the best alternative to Armour Thyroid?
Not all patients find Armour Thyroid right or cheap enough, so pharmaceutical companies work towards a reasonable and effective alternative, like VitaliThy and Real Thyroid. Another option worth mentioning is TR Thyroid from Thailand, which is quite expensive.
TL;DR
In conclusion, NP Thyroid is not as good as it used to be and Nature-Throid is currently unavailable. This is not an ideal situation, so people with thyroid issues should explore their options and find the best treatment for them.
There are affordable thyroid replacement supplements available that can help those with a thyroid deficiency. The two medications mentioned in this article – Real Thyroid and VitaliThy – are produced in Vietnam and are available for a fraction of the cost of other replacement therapies. If you are interested in trying one of these medications, consult your healthcare provider to see if it is the right option for you.