Does Thyroid Disease research show lower vitamin D in specific patients?
Research suggests a link between vitamin D levels and various thyroid conditions. Some studies show that people with specific types of thyroid disease have lower vitamin D levels than those without these conditions.
What the research says
A systematic review of 38 studies found that patients with thyroid diseases had significantly lower serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels compared to people without thyroid disease 1. This trend was particularly notable in patients with autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD), such as Graves' disease and Hashimoto's thyroiditis 1.
Research also links low vitamin D to specific clinical markers in autoimmune thyroid disease. Specifically, lower vitamin D levels have been associated with the presence of antithyroid antibodies, abnormal thyroid function, increased thyroid volume, and higher TSH levels 7. Some studies have also identified a link between vitamin D deficiency and thyroid disease in patients who also have type 2 diabetes 5.
What to ask your doctor
- Do my current thyroid results suggest a need to check my vitamin D levels?
- Is there a known link between my specific type of thyroid condition and vitamin D deficiency?
- If my vitamin D levels are low, what are the potential impacts on my thyroid health?
- Would vitamin D supplementation be appropriate for my specific condition?
This question is drawn from common patient questions about Diabetes & Endocrinology and answered using cited medical research. We do not provide individualized advice.