The relationship between thyroid disorders and vitamin A.: A narrative minireview

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Nutrition Science
• Immunology

Background:

• Vitamin A and retinoids are essential fat-soluble compounds with diverse physiological roles.
• Nutritional status of retinoids influences thyroid gland metabolism and immune function.
• Thyroid autoimmune disorders are prevalent and linked to regulatory T cell (Treg) homeostasis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the relationship between vitamin A nutritional status and thyroid disorders.
• To explore the role of retinoids in thyroid metabolism, immunity, and cancer.
• To summarize current knowledge on vitamin A and thyroid health.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on vitamin A, retinoids, and thyroid function.
• Analysis of evidence linking retinoid deficiency to thyroid impairment.
• Examination of retinoid's role in immune cell regulation and gene expression.

Main Results:

• Vitamin A deficiency correlates with thyroid gland structural and functional impairment.
• Retinoids modulate immune functions, including regulatory T cell activation and differentiation.
• Retinoic acid enhances iodine uptake and sodium-iodine symporter activity in thyroid cancer cells.

Conclusions:

• Nutritional vitamin A status significantly impacts thyroid health and function.
• Retinoids play a role in immune homeostasis relevant to autoimmune thyroid diseases.
• Retinoids and their derivatives show promise for thyroid tumor treatment.