Vitamin D deficiency correlates with increased risk of Thyroid cancer, finds study
Researchers in a recent study have found the association between vitamin D levels and the risk of thyroid cancer (TC). This study was published in Frontiers in Nutrition which was conducted by Hu Y. and colleagues. The study aimed to consolidate existing evidence to determine if vitamin D deficiency contributes to a higher susceptibility to TC.
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.
