Effects of vitamin D supplementation on autoantibodies and thyroid function in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #autoantibodies #dietary-supplements #hashimoto-disease #thyrotropin

Effects of vitamin D supplementation on autoantibodies and thyroid function in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Tang et al., 2023 | Medicine (Baltimore) | Meta Analysis

Citation

Tang Jiahao, Shan Shuanghong, ... Yun Peng. Effects of vitamin D supplementation on autoantibodies and thyroid function in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2023-Dec-29;102(52):e36759. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000036759

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is the prevailing form of autoimmune thyroiditis and the leading cause of hypothyroidism in iodine-sufficient regions worldwide. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of vitamin D supplementation on HT through a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). METHODS: The databases searched included PubMed, and others. We included RCTs that the treatment group received vitamin D, while the control group received either a placebo or no treatment. The studies measured the baseline and endpoint levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), free triiodothyronine (FT3), anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO-Ab), and thyroglobulin antibody (TG-Ab). We performed a meta-analysis to calculate the standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: A total of 12 studies involving 862 individuals were included. Vitamin D supplementation has a significant impact on reducing the titers of TPO-Ab (SMD = -1.084, 95% CI = -1.624 to -0.545) and TG-Ab (SMD = -0.996, 95% CI = -1.579 to -0.413) in patients with HT, and it also improves thyroid function by decreasing TSH level (SMD = -0.167, 95% CI = -0.302 to 0.031) and increasing FT3 (SMD = 0.549, 95% CI = 0.077-1.020) and FT4 (SMD = 0.734, 95% CI = 0.184-1.285) levels. Active vitamin D (calcitriol) significantly reduces the titer of TPO-Ab compared to naive forms of vitamin D (vitamin D2 or D3); treatment durations > 12 weeks result in a more effective reduction of TPO-Ab levels and a more significant increase in FT4 and FT3 levels in patients with HT (meta-regression P < .05). CONCLUSION: Vitamin D supplementation may have beneficial effects on HT patients by modulating immune responses and improving thyroid function.

Key Findings

A total of 12 studies involving 862 individuals were included. Vitamin D supplementation has a significant impact on reducing the titers of TPO-Ab (SMD = -1.084, 95% CI = -1.624 to -0.545) and TG-Ab (SMD = -0.996, 95% CI = -1.579 to -0.413) in patients with HT, and it also improves thyroid function by decreasing TSH level (SMD = -0.167, 95% CI = -0.302 to 0.031) and increasing FT3 (SMD = 0.549, 95% CI = 0.077-1.020) and FT4 (SMD = 0.734, 95% CI = 0.184-1.285) levels. Active vitamin D (calcitriol

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population ht
Sample Size 862
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Autoantibodies
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Hashimoto Disease
  • Thyrotropin
  • Vitamin D

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review, Journal Article
  • Vertical: iodine

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09