Thyroid function and its association with vitamin deficiencies: a case-control study in Duhok

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disorder with significant health implications.
• Emerging evidence suggests a link between hypothyroidism and deficiencies in key micronutrients like vitamin D, vitamin B12, and ferritin.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between hypothyroidism and deficiencies in vitamin D, vitamin B12, and ferritin.
• To explore the role of these micronutrients in thyroid dysfunction within a clinical context.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study was conducted with 170 hypothyroid patients and 715 healthy controls.
• Serum levels of TSH, T3, T4, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and ferritin were measured.
• Multivariable regression analysis was employed to assess associations between thyroid function and micronutrient status.

Main Results:

• Hypothyroid patients exhibited significantly higher TSH and lower T4 levels compared to controls.
• Deficiencies in vitamin B12 and ferritin were significantly more prevalent in the hypothyroid group.
• No significant difference in vitamin D levels was observed between hypothyroid patients and controls.

Conclusions:

• Hypothyroidism is associated with vitamin B12 and ferritin deficiencies.
• Micronutrient status is important in the management of thyroid dysfunction.
• Further research into the role of autoantibodies in hypothyroidism is warranted.