Vitamin D deficiency correlates with increased risk of Thyroid cancer, finds study

A systematic search of multiple databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane, and ClinicalTrials.gov identified relevant articles on vitamin D and TC. The meta-analysis assessed vitamin D levels in individuals with TC compared to controls, evaluating standardized mean differences (SMD), ratio of means (RoM), and odds ratios (OR). Dose-response meta-analysis techniques were employed to quantify the correlation between vitamin D levels and TC risk. Subgroup analyses and meta-regressions were conducted to explore potential sources of variation, while publication bias was assessed using Begg's and Egger's tests.

The meta-analysis revealed significant associations:

• Individuals with thyroid cancer had lower levels of vitamin D compared to controls (SMD = -0.25, 95% CI: -0.38 to -0.12

• Levels of 1,25 (OH)D were also lower in thyroid cancer cases than in controls (SMD = -0.49, 95% CI: -0.80 to -0.19).

• Vitamin D deficiency was associated with a 49% increased risk of thyroid cancer (OR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.23 to 1.80).

• Each 10 ng/ml decrease in 25 (OH)D levels was linked with a 6% increase in thyroid cancer risk (OR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.89 to 0.99) according to dose-response analysis.

Researchers have found evidence linking vitamin D deficiency with an increased risk of thyroid cancer. Individuals diagnosed with thyroid cancer consistently showed lower vitamin D levels compared to controls, highlighting a potential role for vitamin D in modulating thyroid cancer risk. This meta-analysis underscores the importance of maintaining adequate vitamin D levels, suggesting potential implications for public health strategies aimed at reducing thyroid cancer incidence.

Reference:

Hu Y, Xue C, Ren S, Dong L, Gao J and Li X. Association between vitamin D status and thyroid cancer: a metaanalysis. Front. Nutr. 2024.