The Claim

Food restriction in growing pigs is associated with decreased conversion of thyroxine (T4) to 3,5,3'-tri-iodothyronine (T3) by liver and kidney tissue homogenates in vitro.

Source: Reciprocal changes in serum 3, 3', 5'-tri-iodothyronine concentration and the peripheral thyroxine inner ring monodeiodination during food restriction in the young pig.

What the research says

Roughly balanced

Support and challenge are close. The picture may shift as more studies come in.

Supports
6score
Challenges
0score

These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.

Correlation
1 study reviewed
In plain English

In growing pigs, reducing food intake leads to lower conversion of the thyroid hormone T4 into its active form T3 in liver and kidney tissue samples tested in laboratory conditions.

See the scientific wording

Food restriction in growing pigs is associated with decreased conversion of thyroxine (T4) to 3,5,3'-tri-iodothyronine (T3) by liver and kidney tissue homogenates, as measured in vitro, suggesting a downregulation of peripheral thyroid hormone activation under energy deficit conditions.

Why this might work

When food intake drops, the liver and kidneys reduce their ability to convert the main thyroid hormone into its active form, which lowers the amount of active hormone available to the body and conserves energy.

Verified mechanismbased on 1 study

What the research says

1 study

  1. Study: Reciprocal changes in serum 3, 3', 5'-tri-iodothyronine concentration and the peripheral thyroxine inner ring monodeiodination during food restriction in the young pig.

    When young pigs don’t eat enough, their liver and kidneys slow down the process of turning the main thyroid hormone into its more active form, which helps them save energy. This study shows exactly that happens.

Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies

Fit Body Science verdict — we translate health claims into clear verdicts backed by peer-reviewed research.

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