Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin D
For the body system: Thyroid Gland

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Table of Contents

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Vitamin D has a scientifically supported, though not fully established, role in supporting thyroid gland function. Several studies have shown that vitamin D deficiency is more common in individuals with autoimmune thyroid diseases such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease. Observational data indicate a correlation between low serum vitamin D levels and increased prevalence or severity of these thyroid disorders. Some interventional studies suggest that vitamin D supplementation may reduce thyroid autoantibody levels, potentially modulating immune activity against the thyroid gland. However, results are not universally consistent, and the mechanisms are not fully understood.

It is hypothesized that vitamin D’s immunomodulatory effects may help regulate autoimmune processes that affect the thyroid. Vitamin D receptors are present on immune cells as well as thyroid tissue, providing a plausible biological pathway. Despite these findings, large-scale randomized controlled trials are lacking, and it is not established that vitamin D supplementation prevents or treats thyroid dysfunction in the general population. Current clinical guidelines do not recommend vitamin D specifically to support thyroid health except in cases of confirmed deficiency.

In summary, vitamin D’s role in thyroid health is supported by a moderate degree of scientific evidence, particularly regarding autoimmune thyroid diseases. Its use is not based solely on tradition, but the evidence is not yet robust enough to warrant broad recommendations for thyroid support outside of correcting deficiency.

More about vitamin D
More about Thyroid Gland