What are anti-TPO antibodies?

Anti-TPO antibodies on your report

Usually reported in IU/mL, as:

• anti-TPO
• TPO antibodies

Each lab sets its own cut-off, so compare your number with the range printed next to it on your report.

What anti-TPO antibodies tell your doctor

Most people with Hashimoto's disease, the commonest cause of an underactive thyroid, have raised anti-TPO or related antibodies.

A positive result can:

• help your doctor understand why your TSH is high
• warn that thyroid trouble may develop later

It can also be raised in Graves' disease. The more thyroid antibodies you have, the more likely an autoimmune thyroid problem is.

What helps alongside your doctor's care

There is no food that switches these antibodies off, and treatment of any thyroid imbalance is your doctor's call.

What helps is looking after your general health:

• balanced home meals with dal, vegetables, fruit and whole grains
• enough protein
• iodised salt in normal amounts
• regular movement
• good sleep and managing stress

If you have a positive result, ask your doctor how often your TSH should be checked.