As reported in NHIOnDemand Health & Wellness Trade Site (1/12) Impact of Vitamin D Deficiency in Patients with Hyperthyroidism based on a study featured in The Journal of Clinical Densitometry

A recent study sought to determine the impact of vitamin D deficiency on bone mineral density in patients with hyperthyroidism. "Hyperthyroidism" is when the thyroid gland is overactive instead of underactive. It secretes too much thyroid hormone. In this case, more of a good thing is definitely not better. Excess thyroid hormone can cause rapid heartbeat. Body temperature is elevated. The hyperthyroid individual may experience extreme weight loss, in spite of a huge appetite, because they burn up calories too fast. Hyperthyroidism can make a person nervous, emotionally unstable, and unable to sleep.

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. These findings suggest that vitamin D deficiency may increase levels of parathyroid hormone and decrease bone mineral density in patients with hyperthyroidism.

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.

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