Vitamin D and endocrine disorders: routine laboratory diagnostic implications

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology and Metabolism
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Vitamin D is primarily known for its role in calcium and phosphorus metabolism.
• Emerging research highlights significant extra-skeletal effects of vitamin D.
• Recent findings suggest a connection between vitamin D and endocrine disease mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the proposed involvement of vitamin D in the development of specific endocrine disorders.
• To explore the role of vitamin D in Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Grave's disease, Addison's disease, and primary hyperthyroidism.

Main Methods:

• This study is a narrative review of existing literature.
• It synthesizes current research on vitamin D's impact on endocrine diseases.

Main Results:

• The review outlines the hypothesized roles of vitamin D in the etiology of several autoimmune endocrine conditions.
• Evidence suggests vitamin D may influence the pathogenesis of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Grave's disease, and Addison's disease.

Conclusions:

• Vitamin D's influence extends to endocrine health, impacting diseases beyond its traditional metabolic functions.
• Laboratory practices for patients with these endocrine conditions can readily incorporate vitamin D assessment without added complexity.