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May 21, 2019

Vitamin D Deficiency and Thyroid Disease

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It’s estimated that at least 75% of Americans are deficient in Vitamin D. Ironically, Vitamin D isn’t a vitamin at all, but a steroid hormone responsible for a number of processes in the body, ranging from regulating mineral absorption to disease prevention and gene expression. 

Vitamin D Deficiency and Thyroid Disease

With the growing epidemic of thyroid disease, it’s vital that we understand how important Vitamin D is for proper thyroid hormone production. 

Two of the most common and important forms of Vitamin D are Vitamin D2 and D3. 

Vitamin D2 is found in some plant foods and has only about an 8% positive effectiveness in the body. There’s also a synthetic version of D2 made by irradiating fungi and plant matter. This is the form of Vitamin D most often prescribed by doctors in the U.S.

Unfortunately, Vitamin D2 is what you’re most likely to find in the majority of supplements on the market. 

Vitamin D Deficiency and Thyroid Disease

To make matters worse – Vitamin D2 is toxic in excess and can cause a softening of the hard tissues and a hardening of the soft tissues in the body. I would encourage anyone considering a D supplement to do your research and make sure you are not getting D2.

Note: For several years, the dairy industry used D2 in their fortified milk products, but has since replaced it with D3. However if you are drinking fortified imitation milks such as soy, rice, almond, or oat – you are most likely still being exposed to D2.

Vitamin D3 is a fat-soluble vitamin and obtained from sun exposure and from certain animal foods. (see the list below)

Vitamin D Deficiency and Thyroid Disease

Here’s how Vitamin D influences thyroid hormone balance:

  1. In order for iodine to be used to create thyroid hormones, Vitamin D needs to be available. Without adequate Vitamin D, you will often see a decrease in FT4 and/or FT3.
  2. Several clinical studies have reported low Vitamin D in those with Hashimoto’s or Graves’ disease, indicating an association between Vitamin D deficiency and thyroid autoimmunity.
  3. Impaired Vitamin D signaling has been reported to encourage thyroid tumorigenesis.
  4. Vitamin D deficiency has been strongly associated with higher TSH levels (aka: hypothyroidism).
  5. Vitamin D regulates insulin and balances blood sugar. When blood sugar is imbalanced, this can cause thyroid hormones to go off balance.

 

Vitamin D Deficiency and Thyroid Disease
Most people just want to take a supplement, but it’s not always that clear-cut. Here are a few reasons why…

Genetic Polymorphism

Each person has a Vitamin D receptor (VDR) in the body that must be activated in order for Vitamin D to perform its functions. Many people with thyroid disease have a genetic VDR mutation that can create Vitamin D deficiency even if levels are normal.

If you have a VDR mutation, then you often need to have higher than normal blood levels of Vitamin D to avoid the effects of Vitamin D deficiency. 

Nutrients Work Together

It’s also important to understand that nutrients like Vitamin D and Vitamin K work synergistically together, so f you take too much Vitamin D, you can throw off Vitamin K levels and vice-versa. 

Fat Digestion Problems

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, so if you don’t eat enough fats or don’t digest fats properly, then you can create a deficiency. People on low-fat diets or those with digestive conditions that impair fat absorption such as IBS, fatty liver disease, gall bladder disease, IBD, etc. are more likely to have low levels of Vitamin D.

Why You Should Stay Away from Conventional Vitamin D Supplements

The majority of Vitamin D supplements you’ll find at your local vitamin store or in the vitamin aisle of the supermarket will only offer you Vitamin D2 or a mix of D2 and D3, and as we said before, D2 can have a negative impact on your health.

Vitamin D cannot be adequately synthesized in your body without its cohorts – Vitamin K2 and Vitamin A (retinol). Most vitamin manufacturers are just looking to make a profit, without actually knowing the ins and outs of true nutrition and will not provide you with the right supplementation.

Vitamin D taken without the necessary K2 will lead to Vitamin D toxicity. Vitamin K2 is responsible for activating certain proteins which are responsible for distributing Vitamin D and calcium to where it should be (in your bones), and keeping it out of where it should not be (in your arteries).

Vitamin A curbs the excessive production of Vitamin K2 proteins to ensure you have just the right amount.

As you can see, these nutrients all work together, so you never want to just take one in isolation because you can throw the others off balance!

Eating foods rich in fat-soluble vitamins is a great way to get the proper balance of these nutrients as they are found in nature.

Vitamin D Deficiency and Thyroid Disease

Here’s a list of Vitamin A, D and K2 rich foods:

  • Pastured egg yolks
  • Pastured butter
  • Grass fed beef
  • Liver and organ meats from pastured animals
  • Raw milk
  • Raw cream
  • Oily fish (mackerel, tuna group, herring, anchovies, wild salmon, sardines, herring)
  • Cod liver oil
  • Animal fat from pastured animals (such as butter, ghee, lard, tallow, or duck fat)

 

How to Get Enough Vitamin D to Help Keep Your Thyroid Balanced:

1. Eat foods that are rich in Vitamin A, D3, and K2 on a regular basis. (see list above)

2. Get 20-30 minutes of unfiltered sunlight daily (without sunscreen). It’s best to go out in the middle of the day when the sunlight is the strongest. 

3. If you’re concerned that you may have a Vitamin D deficiency, I recommend getting tested by your practitioner.

Most people are able to increase their Vitamin D levels within 30-90 days through proper whole food supplementation and can keep them at normal levels through a whole food, nutrient dense diet going forward.

4. Get tested to see if you you have a VDR polymorphism. If you have this mutation, then it’s very important that you get plenty of sunlight and also regularly eat animal foods that are rich in the fat-soluble vitamins A, D and K2.
 

Recommended Vitamin D Supplementation:
  • Standard Process Cod Liver Oil is a good option along with the tips listed above. Keep in mind that it doesn’t contain Vitamin K, so you’ll want to make sure to eat foods containing Vitamin K (from seafood, organ meats and the fat of grass-fed animals) to keep things balanced.
If you’d like to learn some first steps you can take to help support your thyroid, check out my class, “3 Keys to Thyroid Hormone Balance”. It’s just 45 minutes and I promise you’ll learn something new!

Note: The purpose of this post is to give an overview of vitamin D and thyroid disease from a holistic perspective. This information is not intended to take the place of your doctor’s advice.

Filed Under: Thyroid Disease, Thyroid Disease, Uncategorized | 19 Comments

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19 Comments

  1. Olivia

    June 19, 2019 at 10:06 am

    How do you get tested for VDR Polymorphism?
    to Olivia" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Olivia'>Reply to this comment
    • Deliciously Organic

      June 19, 2019 at 10:28 am

      23&me has a test you can take.
      to Deliciously Organic" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Deliciously Organic'>Reply to this comment
      • Andrea Berlemann

        January 15, 2021 at 3:06 pm

        I have been taking VIT D2 1.25MG now since 2018 without any other vitamins and I take it once a week and I have been having ALOT of problems recently with blood pressure and I'm 35 yrs old female with Graves disease had RAI treatment also in May 2019 and have now been hypothyroid was diagnosed in October last year with coronary artery disease is it possible it's because of the Vit D2 being taken like this without any other vitamins for so.long and if so why wouldn't my doctors have known this?!?!?!
        to Andrea Berlemann" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Andrea Berlemann'>Reply to this comment
  2. Cate

    November 21, 2019 at 3:37 pm

    What range do you recommend for sufficient blood levels of vitamin D?
    to Cate" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Cate'>Reply to this comment
    • Deliciously Organic

      April 20, 2020 at 2:24 pm

      Between 50-70 is a good range.
      to Deliciously Organic" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Deliciously Organic'>Reply to this comment
  3. Dawn

    February 1, 2020 at 7:42 am

    Interesting article. I have hashimotos And am D and B12 deficient. I take a few thyroid specific supplements, including Cod liver oil, along with B12 injections and once or twice a week take a D3. I have egg, dairy and almond sensitivities. My numbers are pretty good right now but because I still have stomach issues and trouble digesting certain proteins, I’m wondering if there are other tests I should get or other supplements/foods I should take.
    to Dawn" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Dawn'>Reply to this comment
  4. Ted Broeders

    July 18, 2020 at 12:27 pm

    How do I access D-Synergy Max. I would love to get off the synthroid med Levothyroxine.
    to Ted Broeders" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Ted Broeders'>Reply to this comment
    • Deliciously Organic

      July 27, 2020 at 4:07 pm

      You can order via our office, Biodynamic Wellness 858.259.6000
      to Deliciously Organic" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Deliciously Organic'>Reply to this comment
      • Jack

        March 19, 2021 at 4:36 am

        Im in the uk, how do I buy?
        to Jack" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Jack'>Reply to this comment
        • Deliciously Organic

          March 23, 2021 at 10:34 am

          What exactly are you wanting to purchase?
          to Deliciously Organic" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Deliciously Organic'>Reply to this comment
  5. Christy

    January 20, 2022 at 3:30 pm

    Good info! I’m connecting so many dots. I am a long-time Hashimoto’s patient and only in the last 5 years have I moved to natural thyroid meds with a synthroid kicker because my T4 still won’t regulate. This past year was BRUTAL for my health & that is saying something because I have a long and illustrious history of weird thyroid-related events from massive bleeding as a teen to rhabdomyolysis a few years back, both intense hospital stays. This year, I’m suddenly too dizzy to drive, my vitamin D was a 10, I have gallstones that became apparent during the week I had Omicron this month, and I’m borderline type 2 diabetes per latest labs. I don’t know where to start and have such a sense of overwhelm as to what I can do to really effect change in myself. I’m supplementing D3. Is there a gallbladder protocol that you recommend? I’m a military widow & mother of 6 so no shortage of stress history, both tragic and good. What should I focus on first to begin healing? I’m sure it will be a journey!
    to Christy" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Christy'>Reply to this comment
    • Deliciously Organic

      January 25, 2022 at 9:55 am

      I'm so sorry you've been struggling. I recommend reading my articles about Hypothyroidism and liver detox. The tips in those articles would be a good place to start!
      to Deliciously Organic" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Deliciously Organic'>Reply to this comment
      • Christy

        January 26, 2022 at 4:34 pm

        Thank you for the response. I will read up. I am currently breastfeeding and will begin weaning in a few months when she reaches 18 months old. Do you have any tips for detox that will not compromise breastmilk? I may start the liver detox after weaning to be safe. I am currently intermittent fasting on a breastfeeding friendly 15:9 schedule to give my body a healing window and revamping my diet…your articles and recipes are helpful and greatly appreciated!
        to Christy" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Christy'>Reply to this comment
        • Deliciously Organic

          January 31, 2022 at 11:58 am

          I'm so glad you've found my info helpful! When it comes to detox, it's not recommended when nursing, but there are things you can do to support natural detoxification in the body such as: avoid processed foods, get 8-9 hours of sleep a night, sunshine and movement daily, reducing stress, beet kvass daily, dry brushing and epsom salt baths.
          to Deliciously Organic" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Deliciously Organic'>Reply to this comment
  6. Cheryl a Geisbauer

    March 2, 2022 at 6:56 pm

    Do you recomment a certain kind of cod liver oil, and do you just drink it? Yuck!
    to Cheryl a Geisbauer" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Cheryl a Geisbauer'>Reply to this comment
    • Deliciously Organic

      March 3, 2022 at 5:10 pm

      The one I recommended in the article above is the one I personally use!
      to Deliciously Organic" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Deliciously Organic'>Reply to this comment

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  3. Creative Ways to Boost Your Immune System + Supplements - Olive You Whole says:
    September 8, 2020 at 12:06 pm
    […] Vitamin D3: Studies suggest that vitamin D is a key factor linking innate and adaptive immunity, and both of these functions may be compromised under conditions of vitamin D insufficiency (source, source). Vitamin D is actually a steroid hormone. It is a fat-soluble vitamin obtained through certain animal products and sun exposure. Be sure to either get a Vitamin D3 supplement that contains all of the Vitamin D synergists to ensure it works properly in the body: K2, A, B6, chromium, magnesium, zinc and boron, or source these synergists in your diet  (source). […]
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Hi, I’m Carrie Vitt, FNTP
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Through unprocessed, organic food and detox I’ve reversed Hashimoto’s disease, chronic migraines, IBS and eczema.

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