Does low vitamin D influence your thyroid hormones? Here’s what an endocrinologist say

Find out how low vitamin D levels may affect your thyroid hormones as explained by an expert endocrinologist.(Image: Pexels)

Vitamin D, also known as the “sunshine vitamin”, is essential for general well-being. It helps with healthy bones, immune system and cellular function. However, new research is starting to reveal much deeper links between vitamin D and other important hormones in our system—particularly the thyroid hormone. Both vitamin D and the thyroid hormones have a role in metabolic, energy, and immune regulation, so imbalances in either will affect the whole body.

The small butterfly-shaped thyroid gland in the neck produces hormones that control how our bodies use energy. Those hormones — the primary ones are known as T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine) — regulate metabolism, growth and brain function. When thyroid function slows down (hypothyroidism) or speeds up (hyperthyroidism), the ramifications can be significant.

There is a growing interest in whether low levels of vitamin D may contribute or exacerbate thyroid dysfunction among scientists and doctors. It’s important to see if there’s a link between the two because vitamin D is way off in much of the world and nobody knows about it. Let’s dive into how vitamin D can affect your thyroid health, and what to do about it.

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Vitamin D And your thyroid- what’s the connection?

Vitamin D actually functions more as a hormone than it does a vitamin — and binds to receptors in the body including on cells within the thyroid gland. Research shows that many people with autoimmune thyroid diseases like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease have lower than normal levels of vitamin D.

This would mean vitamin D may help regulate immune system responses related to thyroid tissue. It has been proposed that low levels of vitamin D may result in increased inflammation and immune dysregulation, which may be involved in the pathogenesis of thyroid autoimmunity.

What experts say

In the words of Dr Rashmi Kumar, an endocrinologist and hormone specialist based out of Noida, optimal vitamin D levels are crucial for thyroid health. “Vitamin D deficiency may not directly cause thyroid disease,” she told Moneycontrol, “but it can contribute to immune dysregulation and decrease the body’s ability to manage inflammation—both of which are significant factors in developing thyroid conditions.”

Symptoms and warning signs

Fatigue, weight loss, hair loss, mood swings and cold sensitivity are all actually very similar symptoms of low vitamin D AND thyroid problems. Because the signs are overlapping, it’s important to test for both conditions rather than assuming one is responsible. The enemy here is Phase I toxins, which the D offers a preemptive strike and sometimes can even make the T3 work better, while also increasing Zzz levels.

How to protect your thyroid

• To support healthy thyroid and vitamin D levels

• Get 15-20 minutes of sun exposure every day (varies by skin type and location).

• Consume lots of vitamin-D rich foods like salmon, eggs and fortified milk.

• Have your thyroid and vitamin D levels checked at regular intervals.

• Supplement your diet according to doctor’s orders.

FAQs about Vitamin D:

Q: How does Vitamin D function in the body?

A: Vitamin D functions more as a hormone and binds to receptors in the body, including on cells within the thyroid gland.

Q: What are the symptoms of low Vitamin D and thyroid problems?

A: Symptoms include fatigue, weight loss, hair loss, mood swings, and cold sensitivity.

Q: How can I support my thyroid and Vitamin D levels?

A: Get 15-20 minutes of sun exposure every day, consume vitamin-D rich foods like salmon, eggs, and fortified milk, have your thyroid and vitamin D levels checked regularly, and supplement your diet according to doctor’s orders.

Q: Can low Vitamin D cause thyroid disease?

A: While low Vitamin D does not directly cause thyroid disease, it can contribute to immune dysregulation and decrease the body’s ability to manage inflammation, both of which are significant factors in developing thyroid conditions.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.