Hypothyroidism And Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamin D is produced by the skin when the body is exposed to sunlight. This vitamin is very important as it helps to enhance the absorption of calcium. While the vitamin does not have a role to play where production of thyroid hormones are concerned, it has been seen that when a person is deficit in Vitamin D, it cause an increase in parathyroid hormone levels and this can result in osteoporosis. (See Reference 1) |
Furthermore, several studies have shown that the vitamin is used by the brain-pituitary-thyroid axis present in the brain, and this helps to stimulate the production of thyroxine by the thyroid gland. Hence, Vitamin D is important for people suffering from hypothyroidism. It is recommended that a person takes 800 IU of the vitamin on a daily basis to ensure proper functioning of the thyroid gland. (See Reference 1) Studies have also shown that taking thyroid medication can help to replenish the hormones, but taking Vitamin D to stimulate the thyroxine production should not be negated.
Also, it has been seen that many people suffering from hypothyroidism tend to have a Vitamin D deficiency. (See Reference 2) A deficiency of the vitamin can result in bone related problems linked hypothyroidism. (See Reference 2) The deficiency of the vitamin can be taken care of by ensuring that the person takes Vitamin D supplements, or spends sufficient time in the sun to help the body produce vitamin. Alternatively, the person can also consume foods rich in the vitamin, such as salmon, fortified milk, eggs and tuna. (See Reference 1)
According to some studies, people suffering from hypothyroidism could be having Vitamin D deficiency either because the vitamin was not being absorbed properly by the intestines, or because the body was unable to activate the vitamin. (See Reference 2)
Vitamin D and thyroid hormones tend to bind with similar receptors in the body. These receptors are known as steroid hormone receptors. (See Reference 1) The studies also showed that the presence of a particular gene in the Vitamin D receptor makes a person more susceptible to getting Grave's disease or Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
Hence, if a person is suffering from hypothyroidism, it is in his or her best interests to get their Vitamin D levels checked. Many of the symptoms associated with hypothyroidism can be alleviated by taking supplements of the vitamins, especially in patients who have had their thyroid gland surgically removed. In fact, in thyroidectomy patients, taking a combination of the vitamin and calcium can not only reduce the symptoms of hypothyroidism, it can also increase the presence of calcium in the blood and prevent onset of osteoporosis. (See Reference 1)
More Articles :
1. EzineArticles: A Deficiency in Vitamin D Can Lead to Hypothyroidism
https://ezinearticles.com/?A-Deficiency-in-Vitamin-D-Can-Lead-to-Hypothyroidism&id=1352163
2. EmpowHer: Vitamin D Deficiency and Thyroid Disease
https://www.empowher.com/thyroid-conditions/content/vitamin-d-deficiency-and-thyroid-disease?page=0,0
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If you are wondering whether hypothyroidism is hereditary, the answer is yes. According to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, nearly 50 percent of kids of thyroid patients will end up inheriting the gene for a thyroid disorder, making thyroid disorders, including hypothyroidism hereditary. (See Reference 1)