Hyperthyroid Patients Need Vit D
A Dec 2010 paper out in the Journal of Clinical Densiometry which publishes the latest clinical research on the uses of bone mass and density measurements in medical practice, as well as state-of-the-art review articles on critical topics explored the role of Vitamin D in patients with confirmed hyperthyroidism.[1]
An interesting topic for a journal focussed on bone mass as Vit D is an essential nutrient for the management of healthy bone. Patients that have an overactive thyroid secrete too much thyroid hormone. In this case, more of a good thing is definitely not better. The excess thyroid hormone can cause symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, increased basal temperature and substantial weight loss in spite of a healthy appetite. Hyperthyroidism can make a person nervous, emotionally unstable, and unable to sleep.
Vitamin D is known as the “sunshine” vitamin because it is formed in the body by the action of the sun’s ultraviolet rays on the skin. The fat-soluble vitamin is converted in the kidneys to the hormone calcitrol, which is actually the most active form of vitamin D. The effects of this hormone are targeted at the intestines and bones as well as the immune system.
The paper looks at the impact of vitamin D deficiency on bone mineral density in patients with hyperthyroidism. The study included 30 newly diagnosed patients with hyperthyroidism. The researchers collected blood samples from each patient to evaluate levels of calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase, 25-hydroxy vitamin D and parathyroid hormone.
Bone mineral density measurements were taken at the hip, forearm and spine. The results of the study revealed that eight of the patients had serum vitamin D levels less than 25 nmol/L. The group who was vitamin D deficient was found to have significantly higher levels of parathyroid hormone than those who were vitamin D sufficient. It was also determined that patients with low levels of vitamin D had lower bone mineral density than those with normal levels of vitamin D.
Comment
Vit D deficiency is unfortunately a common feature of people living in the northern hemisphere, but is not limited to these areas. Thyroid changes are also common, albeit that hypo is more common than hyper, these findings further indicate the need for careful nutritional as well as hormonal screening of hyperthyroid patients.
In Summary
These findings suggest that vitamin D deficiency may increase levels of parathyroid hormone and decrease bone mineral density in patients with hyperthyroidism.
References
[1] Dhanwal DK, Kochupillai N, Gupta N, et al. Hypovitaminosis D and bone mineral metabolism and bone density in hyperthyroidism. J Clin Densitom. Dec2010;13(4):462-6. http://tinyurl.com/5vyz7gq
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Keywords:bone density, Calcification, Hyperthyoid, vitamin D
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Responses
4 Responses to “Hyperthyroid Patients Need Vit D”
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My fell walking friend has hyperthyroidism. Above normal T4 (medication has stabilised), high T3, no TSH, very high thyroid antibodies. She has been put on carbimazole and inderal by the enodcrine specialist. She is having probs fell walking. Any advice to what supplements would be beneficial please?
Debra Seddon
Hello debra
Hyperthyroidism and autoimmune thyroiditis need to be carefully assessed and you need to see a relevant Nutritional Therapist to be given additional supplement advice.
However, I do have one suggestion – please see if your friend has any family history of coeliac disease of gluten sensitivity as these are linked with thyroid illness and should be excluded. There may also be a strong relationship with diminished nutrient absorption and food choice including iodine. A relevant iodine loading test in conjunction with a food diary and other investigations may support an iodine supplementation strategy.
• Valentino R, Savastano S, Maglio M, Paparo F, Ferrara F, Dorato M, Lombardi G, Troncone R. Markers of potential coeliac disease in patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Eur J Endocrinol. 2002 Apr;146(4):479-83. http://tinyurl.com/33fas8e
Hi Michael, just wondering if this applies for HYPOthyroid patients since this is what I have and have often wondered if I have vitamin D issues as well
The correlations of Vit D and associated abnomal endocrine functionality are increasing, but it is best to have a simple blood test for vitamin D and determine your own levels rather than opperate without clarification as inadequate or excessive uptake of vitamin D will not be determined any other way.