In a recent study, researchers found a link between vitamin D levels and the risk of thyroid cancer (TC). The forefront of nutrition This was conducted by Hu Y. and colleagues, and the study aimed to synthesize existing evidence to determine whether vitamin D deficiency increases susceptibility to TC.
We systematically searched multiple databases, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane, and ClinicalTrials.gov, to identify relevant articles on vitamin D and TC. Meta-analysis compared vitamin D levels between TC patients and controls and assessed standardized mean differences (SMDs), mean ratios (RoMs), and odds ratios (ORs). Dose-response meta-analysis methods were used to quantify the correlation between vitamin D levels and TC risk. Subgroup analyses and meta-regression analyses were performed to explore potential sources of variation, and publication bias was assessed using Begg and Egger tests.
The meta-analysis revealed the following significant associations:
• Thyroid cancer patients had lower vitamin D levels compared to controls (SMD = -0.25, 95% CI: -0.38 to -0.12).
• 1,25 (OH)D levels were also lower in thyroid cancer patients 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: 1.23-1.80).
• Dose-response analysis showed that for every 10 ng/ml decrease in 25(OH)D levels, there was a 6% increase in thyroid cancer risk (OR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.89 to 0.99).
Researchers found evidence of an association between vitamin D deficiency and increased thyroid cancer risk. Individuals diagnosed with thyroid cancer consistently had lower vitamin D levels compared to controls, highlighting a potential role for vitamin D in modulating thyroid cancer risk. This meta-analysis highlights the importance of maintaining adequate vitamin D levels and suggests potential implications for public health strategies aimed at reducing the incidence of thyroid cancer.
reference:
Hu Y, Xue C, Ren S, Dong L, Gao J, Li X. The association between vitamin D status and thyroid cancer: a meta-analysis. Front. Nutr. 2024.
