Vitamin D Deficiency among Adult Patients with Primary Hypothyroidism: A Preliminary Study Done in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

Abstract

The association between vitamin D deficiency and hypothyroidism is scarcely studied. A communitybased, cross-sectional preliminary study was conducted to determine the prevalence and associated factors for vitamin D deficiency among adult patients with primary hypothyroidism in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. The study utilised a questionnaire, anthropometry, and laboratory analysis. A total of 79 patients were contacted by phone to verify eligibility, and 59 were deemed eligible. Among them, 55 consented and attended the assigned blood collection centre. However, data from one participant was excluded as the eGFR was <60 ml/min/1.73m2. Hence, data from 54 participants were included for the final analysis. Most of the study participants were females (83%), rural residents (76%), and had associated non-communicable disease(s) (81%). All participants except two had a <10% 10-year risk of a fatal or non-fatal cardiovascular event. The mean (SD) duration of primary hypothyroidism was 8.4 (8.1) years, ranging from 0.25 to 8.5 years. The mean (SD) dose of thyroxine was 82.9 (33.9) μg, ranging from 25 to 200 μg. The mean (SD) vitamin D level was 14.6 (5.0) ng/ml, ranging from 5.3 to 26.9 ng/ml. Vitamin D sufficiency (≥20 ng/ml), insufficiency (12 to <20 ng/ml), and deficiency (<12 ng/ml) were reported in 13% (6-24), 54% (41-66), and 33% (22-47) participants, respectively. A comparison of study variables between the vitamin D sufficiency/insufficiency group and the vitamin D deficiency group did not reveal any significant differences. The findings provide an important lead for future large-scale studies. Comparison of findings among patients with other chronic diseases and healthy volunteers is proposed.

International Journal of Human and Health Sciences Vol. 10 No. 03 Jul’26 Page: 176-182