Low serum vitamin D is associated with anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody in autoimmune thyroiditis

Purpose: The association between autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITDs) and vitamin D deficiency is controversial. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D₃ [25(OH)D₃] and anti-thyroid antibody levels. Materials and Methods: 25(OH)D₃, anti-thyroid antibodies, and thyroid function measured in 304 patients who visited the endocrinology clinic were analyzed. The patients were subgrouped into the AITDs or non-AITDs category according to the presence or absence of anti-thyroid antibodies. The relationship between anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) and 25(OH)D₃ was evaluated. Results: The patients with elevated anti-thyroid antibodies had lower levels of serum 25(OH)D₃ than those who did not (12.6±5.5 ng/mL vs. 14.5±7.3 ng/mL, respectively, p<0.001). Importantly, after adjusting for age, sex, and body mass index, a negative correlation (r=-0.252, p<0.001) was recognized between 25(OH)D₃ and TPOAb levels in the AITDs group, but this correlation did not exist in the non-AITDs group (r=0.117, p=0.127). 25(OH)D₃ level was confirmed as an independent factor after adjusting for co-factors that may affect the presence of TPOAb in the AITDs group. Conclusion: 25(OH)D₃ level is an independent factor affecting the presence of TPOAb in AITDs. The causal effect of 25(OH)D₃ deficiency to AITDs is to be elucidated.