A Dec 2010 paper out in the Journal of Clinical Densiometry which publishes the latest clinical research on the uses of bone mass and density measurements in medical practice, as well as state-of-the-art review articles on critical topics explored the role of Vitamin D in patients with confirmed hyperthyroidism.[1]
An interesting topic for a journal focussed on bone mass as Vit D is an essential nutrient for the management of healthy bone. Patients that have an overactive thyroid secrete too much thyroid hormone. In this case, more of a good thing is definitely not better. The excess thyroid hormone can cause symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, increased basal temperature and substantial weight loss in spite of a healthy appetite. Hyperthyroidism can make a person nervous, emotionally unstable, and unable to sleep.
Vitamin D is known as the “sunshine” vitamin because it is formed in the body by the action of the sun’s ultraviolet rays on the skin. The fat-soluble vitamin is converted in the kidneys to the hormone calcitrol, which is actually the most active form of vitamin D. The effects of this hormone are targeted at the intestines and bones as well as the immune system.
The paper looks at the impact of vitamin D deficiency on bone mineral density in patients with hyperthyroidism. The study included 30 newly diagnosed patients with hyperthyroidism. The researchers collected blood samples from each patient to evaluate levels of calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase, 25-hydroxy vitamin D and parathyroid hormone.
Bone mineral density measurements were taken at the hip, forearm and spine. The results of the study revealed that eight of the patients had serum vitamin D levels less than 25 nmol/L. The group who was vitamin D deficient was found to have significantly higher levels of parathyroid hormone than those who were vitamin D sufficient. It was also determined that patients with low levels of vitamin D had lower bone mineral density than those with normal levels of vitamin D.
Comment
Vit D deficiency is unfortunately a common feature of people living in the northern hemisphere, but is not limited to these areas. Thyroid changes are also common, albeit that hypo is more common than hyper, these findings further indicate the need for careful nutritional as well as hormonal screening of hyperthyroid patients.
In Summary
These findings suggest that vitamin D deficiency may increase levels of parathyroid hormone and decrease bone mineral density in patients with hyperthyroidism.
References
[1] Dhanwal DK, Kochupillai N, Gupta N, et al. Hypovitaminosis D and bone mineral metabolism and bone density in hyperthyroidism. J Clin Densitom. Dec2010;13(4):462-6. http://tinyurl.com/5vyz7gq
8 Comments. Leave new
My fell walking friend has hyperthyroidism. Above normal T4 (medication has stabilised), high T3, no TSH, very high thyroid antibodies. She has been put on carbimazole and inderal by the enodcrine specialist. She is having probs fell walking. Any advice to what supplements would be beneficial please?
Debra Seddon
Hello debra
Hyperthyroidism and autoimmune thyroiditis need to be carefully assessed and you need to see a relevant Nutritional Therapist to be given additional supplement advice.
However, I do have one suggestion – please see if your friend has any family history of coeliac disease of gluten sensitivity as these are linked with thyroid illness and should be excluded. There may also be a strong relationship with diminished nutrient absorption and food choice including iodine. A relevant iodine loading test in conjunction with a food diary and other investigations may support an iodine supplementation strategy.
• Valentino R, Savastano S, Maglio M, Paparo F, Ferrara F, Dorato M, Lombardi G, Troncone R. Markers of potential coeliac disease in patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Eur J Endocrinol. 2002 Apr;146(4):479-83. http://tinyurl.com/33fas8e
Hi Michael, just wondering if this applies for HYPOthyroid patients since this is what I have and have often wondered if I have vitamin D issues as well
The correlations of Vit D and associated abnomal endocrine functionality are increasing, but it is best to have a simple blood test for vitamin D and determine your own levels rather than opperate without clarification as inadequate or excessive uptake of vitamin D will not be determined any other way.
Hi i have para hyperthyroidism, it is Hard to find clear info about it, its most about hypo… Should i take vitamin d ? Or not? Was it good for hyper? And what other vitamins is good? Is iodine good? Plz i need this i havent gone back to the endocrine doctor.. he wants to remove my thyroid and im pissed.
I take vitamin
b complex,
selen ,
vitamin a,
l carnitine,
beta carotene
And now q10
Sometimes gotu cola
Took zink for sometime and stopped
Hello
As you have indicated Hyperparathyroidism (HPT) and hyperthyroidism sound similar, but there are many differences between these medical conditions. To better understand HPT and hyperthyroidism, let’s examine both conditions.
What Is Hyperparathyroidism?
HPT affects one or more of the parathyroid glands, which help the body manage its calcium levels. The parathyroid glands produce parathyroid hormone (PTH), which regulates calcium in the blood. If a person is dealing with HPT, the parathyroid glands produce excess amounts of PTH; this causes calcium levels in the blood to rise and can result in mild to severe side effects.
The two types of HPT are primary and secondary. Primary HPT occurs when the body produces an excess amount of PTH due to hyperactivity of one or more of the parathyroid glands, while secondary HPT occurs when a disease outside of the parathyroid glands causes the parathyroid glands to become hyperactive.
There is no single cause of primary HPT. In many instances, HPT occurs due to a tumour that forms on one or more parathyroid glands and causes hyperactivity.
If a person is dealing with severe HPT, he or she may be susceptible to nausea, vomiting, confusion, and an increased thirst and urge to urinate. In addition to the aforementioned severe symptoms of HPT, people dealing with HPT may experience kidney stones and osteoporosis (a condition that causes the bones to become weak and brittle). In some instances, people display no symptoms of HPT, despite the fact that they are dealing with one or more hyperactive parathyroid glands.
Treatment is surgery to remove the abnormal gland or glands and the prescription of medications like calcimimetics and bisphosphonates and hormone replacement therapy are sometimes used to treat HPT.
You may address nutritional deficiencies caused by HPT with the following supplements. Make sure all of your health care providers are aware of any nutritional or herbal supplements you are considering using and take only under supervision as these may alter the calcium balance in your body:
A daily multivitamin, containing the antioxidant vitamins A, C, E, the B-complex vitamins and trace minerals, such as magnesium, calcium, zinc, and selenium.
Calcium citrate. Your health care professional may recommend you take calcium with a glass of orange juice — some forms of calcium are better absorbed in an acidic environment which can also be vitamin C. You can also add acid to your diet by squeezing lemon juice over leafy greens.
Vitamin D and K2. As this is an area of complexity – I suggest you review this excellent third party source on detailed analysis https://www.hyperparathyroidmd.com/hyperparathyroidism-vitamin-d/
Ipriflavone is a synthetic flavonoid similar to the flavonoids found in soy. Laboratory studies showed that ipriflavone may inhibit bone resorption. Although this supplement is marketed for osteoporosis, clinical studies results are mixed. Ipriflavone can lower white blood cell counts and has the potential to interact with a variety of medications. Speak with your health care provider
What Is Hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism affects the thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland in the neck. The thyroid produces hormones that the body uses to manage metabolism, heart rate, and other vital functions; however, if the thyroid becomes hyperactive, it produces excess amounts of hormones, leading to hyperthyroidism.
Research indicates that women are more prone than men to hyperthyroidism. Research also shows that the symptoms of hyperthyroidism are identical in women and men.
Michael Ash DO. ND. BSc. RNT
Managing Director
Hello could take vitamin d has hyperthyroidism and also she has triple negative breast cancer? please reply thanks
Dear Marites,
Thank you for your question.
Hyperthyroid is not a contraindication for vitamin D to be supplemented to achieve healthy levels of vitamin D – we recommend that a test is undertaken depending on age, body mass, ethnicity and geography to determine base levels.
Hyperparathyroid patients may have primary or secondary vitamin D deficiency and raised blood calcium levels. Patients need to be managed by a physician who is measuring vitamin D in both forms to avoid any unwanted complications. You may learn more here https://www.hyperparathyroidmd.com/hyperparathyroidism-vitamin-d/
Triple negative breast cancer
There are characteristically but not consistently low levels of vitamin D In people with TNBC, so their levels should be measured and then treated with supplementation if they are low.
Michael Ash DO, ND, BSc (Hons), RNT
Managing Director .