Vitamin D deficiency prevalence and risk factors in hypothyroid patients in a Kashmiri population in Mirpur
Introduction: Hypothyroidism is a prevalent endocrine disorder, often linked to various metabolic imbalances, including vitamin D deficiency. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among hypothyroid patients in the Kashmiri population of Mirpur and identify associated risk...
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| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Elsevier
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Clinical Medicine |
| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1470211825002039 |
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| Summary: | Introduction: Hypothyroidism is a prevalent endocrine disorder, often linked to various metabolic imbalances, including vitamin D deficiency. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among hypothyroid patients in the Kashmiri population of Mirpur and identify associated risk factors. Methods: A total of 150 hypothyroid patients aged between 18 and 70 years were recruited in Mirpur for a cross-sectional study. The diagnosis of hypothyroidism was entertained on the basis of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels were measured to categorise vitamin D status as deficient (<20 ng/mL), insufficient (20–29 ng/mL) and sufficient (≥30 ng/mL). Data on the demographic details, dietary intake of food items, sun exposure and lifestyle factors of the respondents were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Chi-square tests were performed, as well as multivariate logistic regression, to ascertain which of the risk factors in the study were significant. Results: Vitamin D deficiency was common, 76% with 18% insufficiency, while only 6% had sufficient levels. Women were more affected than men (83% vs 68%; p<0.01). Significant risk factors for deficiency included limited sun exposure (odds ratio (OR) 3.2, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.1–4.8), high body mass index (BMI) (OR: 2.8, 95% CI: 1.7–4.2) and a sedentary lifestyle (OR: 2.5, 95% CI: 1.6–3.9). Dietary pattern showed low consumption of food items rich in vitamin D, such as fish and dairy products. In addition, those with high TSH had a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency with a significance of p≤0.05. Conclusion: In the Kashmiri population of Mirpur, the common entity among hypothyroid patients is vitamin D deficiency, especially in women. Modifiable risk factors related to this condition are related to sun exposure, obesity and dietary habits. All these results bring into focus the need for routine vitamin D screening and selective interventions to enhance nutritional and lifestyle practices in this high-risk population. Further research is needed on how the addition of vitamin D could affect thyroid function and overall health outcomes. |
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| ISSN: | 1470-2118 |