Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin found in foods such as saltwater fish, eggs and fortified milk. There are two kinds of vitamin D, and they can be obtained in the body through the diet or by exposure to the sun. The thyroid gland does not interact directly with vitamin D levels in the body, so a deficiency will not impair thyroid function. However, there are some conditions that can be helped by a higher vitamin D intake.
Thyroid Gland Functions
The thyroid gland is in the neck, just behind the vocal cords. It regulates the body's metabolism and calcium balance through the hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine. Iodine is needed in the body for these hormones to be produced.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is important because it increases calcium and phosphate absorption in the intestines. The increase in these minerals helps bone health, including bone formation. Vitamin D is recommended for all ages, but especially for breastfed babies, the elderly, people with darker skin and those who remain indoors. The body can also make vitamin D in the D3 form, by exposing the skin to ultraviolet B sunlight. There is a D2 version, but it is typically not the kind found in supplements. Vitamin D also helps boost the immune system and stimulates insulin production in the pancreas.
Deficiency
There are several ways to become deficient in vitamin D, including inadequate intake of the vitamin or inadequate exposure to the sun. Required sun exposure to obtain adequate levels is only five to 15 minutes for about three times a week. Also, because vitamin D is fat-soluble, someone who has a fat malabsorption disorder, such as cystic fibrosis or inflammatory bowel disease, is at risk for becoming deficient. Bone-related issues such as rickets or osteomalacia are much more commonly developed with a deficiency.
Thyroid Issues
Vitamin D and the thyroid gland can be factors in two specific conditions: Hashimoto's thyroiditis and autoimmune thyroid. Vitamin D helps boost the immune system and can help with autoimmune disorders. Hashimoto's thyroiditis is less commonly caused by hypoparathyroidism, or lower thyroid function. Treatment is thyroid hormone after being tested by a doctor. In hypoparathyroidism, calcium levels decrease and phosphorous levels rise. Vitamin D can be used along with calcium supplements to resolve issues.
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