The product Spectra 303-T, by Integrative Therapeutics, has been discontinued.  The Spectra 303-T has been an amazing thyroid supplement for many years. I know that many of you are worried and wondering what to take in replacement.  Not to stress, I promise to provide you with an equivalent or a better recommendation by the end of this article. But first I have to say, the disclaimer…  this is not meant to be medical advice… educational purposes only…  

Let’s start with: Why was Spectra 303-T so awesome? 

Thyroid glandular:

Well, first and foremost, the thyroid glandular in the Spectra 303-T is an excellent way of supporting the thyroid.  You might have a subclinical low functioning thyroid and need a little thyroid support. Taking a thyroid glandular is a great way to help your thyroid function.  I am sure you realize, thyroid glandular is animal-based.  

So you have to be careful about where the animal product is sourced.  I never worry about any ingredient in a product made by Integrative Therapeutics.  Integrative Therapeutics has an excellent reputation for high quality and high standard ingredients.  When taking the Spectra 303-T, you never have to worry about taking a shady or unscrupulous form of animal glandular.  

 A short summary of why these Spectra 303-T ingredients are needed for thyroid:

Iodine: 

Iodine is critical for the production of thyroid hormone production.  Both thyroxine and triiodothyronine (T4 and T3) need iodine for its molecular structure.  

Zinc:

Zinc Helps with T4 converting to free T3 and the synthesis of thyroid hormones.  Low levels can contribute to low thyroid function.

Copper: 

Copper: Balances zinc and low levels can contribute to low thyroid function.  

Tyrosine: 

Tyrosine: Precursor to thyroid hormones, thyroxine, and triiodothyronine (T4 and T3).  It is needed along with iodine to make thyroid hormone.  

Let’s talk about actual thyroid hormone, thyroid function, and blood lab testing:

The thyroid gland makes mainly T4, which is a stable molecule with a long half-life (up to 7days) and will travel in your bloodstream.  Mainly your liver and some peripheral tissues will convert your T4 to T3. T3 is an unstable molecule with a short half-life (24hours).  But Free T3 is the active form of thyroid.

When I say FreeT3, “free” hormones are not bound and bioavailable. You want to take thyroid support that is going to maximize your conversion of T4 to FreeT3.  Often T4 will convert to Reverse T3 instead of FreeT3. Reverse T3 (RT3) is an inert molecule that has no activity in your body. In fact, RT3 (reverse T3) can block the T3 receptors. So the Free T3 that you do have cannot even access its receptor.  Ideally, (disclaimer…disclaimer…) you want your Free T3 to be at least at 3.0 and your RT3 (reverse T3) under 25.      

The way the system works is the TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) is secreted by your brain, the pituitary.  The TSH monitors the overall thyroid levels in your blood and works in a “negative feedback loop.” If you have a high TSH, then your thyroid function is low.  And if you have a low TSH, then you are hyperthyroid.  

The normal blood lab reference for TSH is .45 to 4.5, which is a vast reference range.  Many people experiencing hypothyroid symptoms will fall into this range. It is a common scenario that you go to your doctor complaining of hypothyroid symptoms.  Only to be turned away, saying you’re thyroid is fine. Disclaimer….disclaimer… Any TSH between 2.5 and 4.5, I always consider the possibility of hypothyroid or subclinical hypothyroidism.  This is where the thyroid support supplements can really make a difference in someone’s hypothyroid symptoms.  

Sum it up DrD!

If you are going to take a thyroid supplement. You want one that is going to maximize your conversion of T4 to FreeT3.  You want your TSH below 2.5. And you want your FreeT3 to be at least at 3.0 and your reverse T3 below 25.  

If the thyroid supplement has a glandular in it. You want to make sure that it is from a reputable source and not full of heavy metals or toxins or anything you are not aware of.  

I cannot take Spectra 303-T, so what do I take?

As soon as the Spectra 303-T was discontinued, my amazing, could not live without assistant, Erika jumped on the phone with Integrative Therapeutics.  After speaking with the representative we know that there is not a problem with the product. As a company, the rep said they are refocusing and centralizing their products to be focused on neuro-endocrine, gastrointestinal and metabolic formulations.  But they do have a replacement. 

Is there an alternative to Spectra 303-T?

The replacement product for Spectra 303-T is BMR Complex.  There are a few differences between the two. After reviewing it, I feel that the BMR complex is a perfect substitute for the Spectra 303-T. The BMR costs little more money than the Spectra 303-T, but with time, it is understandable that pricing needs to increase.  Research and finding healthy reputable sourcing is not without cost. While there is a cost increase, it is not that much difference between the BMR Complex versus the Spectra 303-T.  

What is the difference between the BMR Complex and Spectra 303-T?

Let’s break this down:

Spectra 303-T:

One tablet equals:

• Iodine: 225mcg
• Zinc gluconate: 10mg
• Copper gluconate: 500mcg
• L-tyrosine: 100mg
• Thyroid glandular: 100mg: (Bovine source)

BMR Complex:

ONE capsule (not the two as the serving dose says on the bottle) 

• Iodine: 150mcg 
• Zinc gluconate: 7.5mg
• Copper gluconate: 0.5mg which equals 500mcg
• L-tyrosine: 150mg
• Thyroid glandular: 150mg

Now if you look at the label on BMR Complex: it says two capsules equals double of what I just showed.  But I wanted to break it down to what one tablet equals so you can compare it to the Spectra 303-T.  

If you are still reading (thank you very much for hanging in there with me), as you can see from comparing the Spectra 303-T to the BRM.  They are quite similar.  

I would recommend taking two of the BMR Complex (yes, disclaimer…disclaimer).  But two capsules of the BMR Complex is going to give you a little more iodine, copper, tyrosine, zinc, and thyroid glandular.  But if you are a sensitive individual, then taking one capsule of BMR is close to the Spectra 303-T. One tablet of BMR Complex will give you a touch less of iodine, zinc, and thyroid glandular.  

Like I said above, for those of you that are worried because Spectra 303-T has been discontinued.  There is an equivalent if not better alternative. The BMR Complex completely replaces the Spectra 303-T.  

Thank you for being a part of our Progress Your Health Community.  If you are interested in purchasing BMR Complex as a thyroid support simply click the link. 

Because you have actually spent time reading my wordy article and we now consider you part of our community, here is our free shipping code: FREESHIP for the BMR Complex. Thank you! DrD