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Genetically Predicted 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels on Hypothyroidism: A Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization
Mahdi Akbarzadeh1, Sahand Tehrani Fateh2, Aysan Moeinafshar2
1Cellular and Molecular Endocrine Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Molecular Biology, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, sbmu.ac.ir.
Biomed Research International
|June 8, 2026
Summary
Higher 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels are linked to a reduced risk of hypothyroidism. This Mendelian randomization study suggests vitamin D supplementation may help prevent hypothyroidism.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Nutritional Science
- Genetics
Background:
- Vitamin D deficiency is linked to increased thyroid disease risk.
- The causal relationship between 25-hydroxyvitamin D and hypothyroidism requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the causal association between genetically determined 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and hypothyroidism risk.
- To explore the relationship with Hashimoto's thyroiditis and thyroid hormone levels.
Main Methods:
- Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis using GWAS summary statistics.
- Utilized inverse-variance-weighted (IVW) method and sensitivity analyses for robust results.
- Focused on European ancestry populations.
Main Results:
- Significant inverse causal association found between higher 25-hydroxyvitamin D and lower hypothyroidism risk (P < 0.001).
- Higher 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were associated with increased free T4 levels (P < 0.001).
- No significant causal link was observed for Hashimoto's thyroiditis or TSH levels.
Conclusions:
- Evidence supports a potential causal role of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in reducing hypothyroidism risk.
- Findings suggest vitamin D supplementation could be a preventive strategy for hypothyroidism.
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