Unveiling the Link Between Vitamin D, Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, and Thyroid Functions: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Background/objectives: Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is an autoimmune disease influenced by genetic factors and environmental triggers that affect immune system function. Data suggest that vitamin D may also play a role in the etiopathogenesis of HT.

Methods: This retrospective study included patients admitted to the Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases Outpatient Clinic. Data from individuals aged 18 years and older were analyzed, including serum levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (fT3), free thyroxine (fT4), anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO), anti-thyroglobulin (anti-TG), and vitamin D. HT was diagnosed based on the presence of anti-TPO and/or anti-TG antibodies, while individuals with negative results for both were classified as non-HT. Thyroid function was categorized as euthyroid if TSH levels were between 0.55 mU/L and 4.78 mU/L and fT4 levels were between 0.89 ng/dL and 1.76 ng/dL; hypothyroid status was defined as TSH > 4.78 mU/L. Vitamin D levels were classified as deficient (<50 nmol/L), insufficient (50-74.9 nmol/L), or sufficient (≥75 nmol/L).

Results: Of the total participants, 25,018 did not have HT, while 27,800 were diagnosed with HT. Vitamin D level was significantly higher in the HT group than the non-HT group (41.43 nmol/L and 39.44 nmol/L, p < 0.001). Vitamin D deficiency was present in 65.5% of the non-HT group and 62.1% of the HT group (p < 0.001). Subgroup analyses based on thyroid function showed that vitamin D levels were highest in the euthyroid HT group and similar in the euthyroid non-HT, hypothyroid non-HT, and hypothyroid HT groups (p < 0.001).

Conclusions: In conclusion, while vitamin D levels were higher in the HT group compared to the non-HT group, no clinically significant association between vitamin D levels and HT or autoantibody positivity was observed. Vitamin D deficiency was more prevalent in the hypothyroid group compared to the euthyroid group. This study suggests that although vitamin D deficiency may not be directly involved in the pathogenesis of HT, it may still play a role in modulating immune activity or influencing the disease phenotype..

Keywords: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis; free thyroxine (fT4); free triiodothyronine (fT3); thyroid autoimmunity; thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH); vitamin D.

Figure 1

Vitamin D distribution in relation to Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and thyroid function.