Vitamin D is the leading cause of Thyroid Disease Globally

In the recent past, there has been increased evidence that low levels of vitamin D play a significant role in thyroid disorders.

What is Vitamin D?

Vitamin D – the fat soluble vitamin can be naturally found in very less number of foods. Very less dietary supplements contain Vitamin D. Our body produces vitamin D only when sun’s UV rays triggers its synthesis in the skin. All of the Vitamin D is not active, and in order to start working it needs to be processed by our liver and kidneys. At the end of that process, we have an active form of vitamin D, called calcitriol.

Vitamin D is responsible for maintaining the balance of minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphate and zinc. Vitamin D not only preserves the bone health but also play a vital role in many hormonal diseases, autoimmune diseases as well as cancer.

Why do people lack Vitamin D?

On the basis of your genes, diet, supplementation and sun/UV exposure the level of Vitamin D in your body undergoes change. The main causes of vitamin D deficiency include:

• You don’t get enough Vitamin D in your diet.
• You don’t absorb enough Vitamin D from food.
• You don’t get enough exposure to sunlight.
• Your liver fails to convert vitamin D to its active form.
• You take medications that interfere with body’s ability to convert or absorb vitamin D.

How much Vitamin D is safe?

All adults require 600 – 800 IU (15–20 µg) daily dietary intake of Vitamin D. Recommended dietary allowances for Vitamin D are:

0-12 months – 400 IU (10mcg)
1-70 years – 600 IU (15mcg)

Above 70 years – 800 IU (20mcg)

Vitamin D and Thyroid Disease

Vitamin D plays a significant role in anti-inflammatory reaction of our immune system. But the mechanism is not yet clear!! The thyroid is one of the few autoimmune diseases where vitamin D levels were found to be lower compared to healthy individuals.

The thyroid is characterized by loss of immune balance which results in damage of thyroid gland by immune cells that mistake their own tissue as a target to destroy. This is due to genetics, environmental triggers and Vitamin D – the most essential trigger.

If you’re being treated for a thyroid condition and have elevated thyroid antibodies, kindly get your Vitamin D tested. On the other hand, if the level is low, discuss appropriate Vitamin D supplements with your physician. If you’re looking to increase the level of Vitamin D in your body, try supplements.

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