Vitamin D is obtained by the body through the exposure to sunlight. It is absorbed through the skin and necessary for synthesizing certain nutrients and electrolytes, according to Theodore C. Friedman, M.D., Ph.D. in his article on "Vitamin D Deficiency and Thyroid Disease." The average person needs 10 to 15 minutes exposure to the sun several times a week and in the elderly, 30 minutes is ideal for the absorption of enough Vitamin D. Clinical research shows that low levels of Vitamin D and cases of hypothyroidism seem to go hand in hand, and may explain the incidence of bone conditions in individuals who experience hypothyroidism. Vitamin D supplementation is available if you can't or don't go outside enough to receive the full benefits of the sun.
Osteoporosis
For one of several reasons, many people suffering from hypothyroidism also have low levels of Vitamin D. This may happen because the body is unable to process and assimilate the vitamin properly or the D vitamins are not absorbed during digestion, according to Friedman. Proper absorption of Vitamin D is essential to bone development. If levels are low, it may contribute to the incidence of osteoporosis in hypothyroidism.
Autoimmune Thyroiditis
Friedman goes on to explain how people with Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Grave's disease have been found to have different hormone receptors available to bind with Vitamin D, making them prone to developing these autoimmune diseases.
Celiac Disease
Those with thyroid problems may also suffer from another autoimmune problem known as Celiac disease, a condition resulting in malabsorption of nutrients from the small intestine. A Vitamin D deficiency may develop and contribute to additional thyroid difficulties as well as other deficient, vitamin D-related, bodily functions.
Vitamin Synthesis and Absorption
Dr. Stephen Langer discusses thyroid disease and some of its possible causes in his article on the Thyroid-Info website, including the importance of Vitamin D in the synthesis and absorption of calcium and magnesium. He mentions that the government's recommended daily allowance of 400 IU is not adequate for people with not receiving enough sun, and that 2,000 to 4,000 IU is more likely to supply the correct amount of the vitamin and reverse the deficiency.
Blood Sugar Levels
Vitamin D plays a role in the reduction and regulation of blood sugar levels in people with thyroid disease who suffer from diabetes, according to Friedman.
Thyroid Cancer
The "American Journal of Pathology" discusses its research into the effects of Vitamin D on thyroid cancer, and concludes there is enough evidence to support supplementation with Vitamin D for people with thyroid disease in the treatment of thyroid cancer.
Other Considerations
Vitamin D is available not only through exposure to sunlight, but through certain foods, such as dark colored fish, eggs, fish oils and fortified dairy products. Those unable to obtain enough Vitamin D from these sources can consume supplements available at health food stores.
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