How Supplementing Vitamin D Can Improve Metabolic Health in Women with Subclinical Hypothyroidism
Sep 4, 20245 minute read
There are numerous thyroid disorders. Hypothyroidism is a medical condition that is basically a pathophysiological phase where hormone production is limited and insufficient. This leads to poor physiological roles in the human body along with an imbalance in basal metabolic rate.
Hypothyroidism is of two types: clinical/overt and subclinical hypothyroidism. Today our focus is on subclinical hypothyroidism and the role vitamin D plays in the overall condition. Keep reading!
What is subclinical hypothyroidism? Why does it remain undetectable?
In subclinical hypothyroidism, the function of the thyroid gland is just mildly affected. For this reason, it is also referred to as mild thyroid failure. Its prevalence is around four to twenty percent in adults, especially in women.
It's particularly important to look at this condition in women who can have children because it can affect their ability to get pregnant and have a healthy pregnancy.
In this condition, levels of free T4 remain normal, so patients and even medical tests never recognize its occurrence.
However, the pituitary gland in the human body is smart enough to identify underperformance of the thyroid, and in response to this, it increases production of TSH.
Now, what happens next? If left untreated, the condition progresses to a crucial stage known as clinical or overt hypothyroidism. This progressive stage is much more difficult to deal with and requires regular monitoring and screening.
The most common cause of subclinical hypothyroidism is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. It occurs due to low serum blood levels of vitamin D and calcium. So if there's a link between low thyroid function and not having enough vitamin D, Keep scrolling to find out!
How Does Vitamin D Help Patients with Subclinical Hypothyroidism?
Vitamin D is a type of vitamin that dissolves in fats and is known for helping reduce the risk of many long-term health problems like bone issues, type 2 diabetes, heart diseases, autoimmune diseases, and thyroid problems.
It works by attaching itself to specific vitamin D receptors (VDR) found in cells, including those in the thyroid gland.
This attachment helps turn on certain genes in these cells that can influence their function. The structure of the vitamin D receptor is very similar to the structure of the receptor that thyroid hormones attach to, which suggests they might work in similar ways in the body.
Now let’s cite a few important studies highlighting the role of vitamin D for subclinical hypothyroidism in the next section.
Vitamin D's Function and Research Findings
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was held. If we look into its insights, vitamin D supplementation can surely improve metabolic health in women with subclinical hypothyroidism. Here’s the details of how:
- When a patient is on vitamin D supplementation, their TSH and total cholesterol levels decrease.
- Vitamin D supplementation helps improve irisin levels.
- Overall body composition can be improved by increasing fat-free mass percentage and decreasing fat mass percentage through a consistent vitamin supplementation routine
Supplementing with vitamin D has also been shown to improve subclinical hypothyroidism in these studies.
- TSH levels were within the normal range in one trial of participants who took vitamin D tablets for two months.
- Another study found that the frequency of patients with subclinical hypothyroidism was dramatically reduced after taking vitamin D supplements for a year.
Since sufficient serum concentrations of vitamin D are necessary for optimal thyroid function, vitamin D may be involved in subclinical hypothyroidism. Further, carefully planned clinical trials are necessary to validate these results and elucidate the effects of vitamin D supplementation on both genders.
Practical Implications for Subclinical Hypothyroidism
It’s true that sustaining sufficient levels of vitamin D is helpful for those diagnosed with hypothyroidism. But still, there’s a recommended daily amount (RDA) for vitamin D patients to note.
To mention some vitamin D-rich sources, sunshine, food, and even supplements from credible brands are advised. Other than these, egg yolks, dairy products, and fatty fish are also worth mentioning.
In order to establish a proper dosage and make sure supplements don't conflict with other prescriptions, people should speak with healthcare professionals before beginning any supplementing.
Precaution Alert
Supplementing with vitamin D has many advantages, but taking too much of it can be hazardous. Vitamin D poisoning appears as nausea, vomiting, and hypercalcemia (high calcium levels). As a result, it's critical to follow dosage recommendations and seek individual guidance from professionals.
Your Vitamin D Supplements
Advanced Nutrition by Zahler Vitamin D 10,000 IU
Klaire Labs/SFI Health Vitamin D Plus K
Protocol For Life Balance Vitamin D-3 10,000 IU 120 gels
