Assessment of Serum Vitamin D and Calcium Levels among Patients with Hypothyroidism: A Comparative Study in Albayda, Libya
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54361/LJMR.19.2.34Keywords:
Vitamin D, Calcium, Hypothyroidism, Hypovitaminosis D, AlbaydaAbstract
Purpose: Vitamin D is essential for the proper functioning of numerous organs, including the thyroid gland. Therefore, a deficiency in vitamin D is considered a potential risk factor for developing various thyroid disorders, particularly hypothyroidism. The present study aimed to evaluate the serum concentrations of vitamin D and calcium in individuals who have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Materials and Methods The research was conducted on a cohort of 150 patients with hypothyroidism at the Department of Internal Medicine, Albayda Medical Center, in Albayda, Libya. Serum levels of vitamin D, calcium, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) were measured in all participants. A control group consisting of 100 healthy individuals was used for comparison. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as serum vitamin D concentrations below 20 ng/mL. Results: Our findings indicated that patients with hypothyroidism exhibited significantly reduced serum levels of both vitamin D and calcium compared to the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Based on these results, it is strongly advised that individuals with hypothyroidism be screened for vitamin D and calcium deficiencies and, if necessary, receive appropriate supplementation.
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