Thyroid and vitamin d deficiency

The Relationship between Thyroid and Vitamin D Deficiency

The functions of vitamin D include promoting calcium absorption and bone mineralization in the body. In appears that many endocrinologists have overlooked some twenty year old articles that associated insufficient vitamin D and hypothyroidism and bone problems.

Vitamin D deficiency and thyroid disease

Professionals sought to explain the association between vitamin D deficiency and thyroid disease with these hypotheses:

1. Ineffective absorption of Vitamin D by the intestine
2. Inefficient use and application of Vitamin D by the body

It has been observed, also, that patients who suffer from Graves disease manifest vitamin D deficiency. It is noteworthy that both Vitamin D and thyroid hormone link with steroid hormone receptors. However, another gene found in Vitamin D receptors seem to increase the likelihood of suffering from the autoimmune thyroid sicknesses Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, thus establishing how vitamin D deficiency and thyroid disease correlate.

Many take for granted the benefits associated with having adequate levels of Vitamin D in the body. Vitamin D helps to regulate blood levels of phosphorus and calcium, hence linking Vitamin D with healthy bones and teeth. In recent times, though, more research is being put into vitamin D deficiency as relates to thyroid disease.

A Specialist’s look at Thyroid and Vitamin D Deficiency

In his paper titled “Vitamin D and Thyroid disease”, reputed thyroid specialist Dr. Theodore Friedman pointed to specifically hypothyroid thyroid patients manifesting low levels of vitamin D. The reaction of Vitamin D can either aid or impede thyroid function. Patients may, by genetic makeup be predisposed to poor intestinal absorption of Vitamin D. As a consequence, the body on the whole has insufficient Vitamin D for proper functioning.

There are other studies that have made Dr. Friedman’s conclusions sustainable. A paper on the topic vitamin D deficiency and thyroid published at the US National Library of Medicine implies some interaction between vitamin D and the thyroid: if there is a diminished supply of Vitamin D, thyroid hormone production is negatively affected.

Hands on research and testing shows do many benefits of Vitamin D to human well being. Patients who have been found to carry inadequate vitamin D often complain about experiencing chronic tiredness and achy bones, thus associating lack of Vitamin D with brittle bone disease and osteoporosis. The symptoms are often alleviated with an intake of Vitamin D. More studies suggest that sufficient Vitamin D can go a long way in reducing the risk of certain cancers and heart ailments. Yet even more benefits of Vitamin D are strengthening the body’s immune system and regulation of blood sugar levels in diabetics. It is evident, then, that we should not underestimate the relationship between Vitamin D deficiency, thyroid and overall good health. We recommend that thyroid patients check their Vitamin D levels regularly in a bid for improved health.

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external links
wikipedia: Vitamin d deficiency thyroid