The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is similar between thyroid nodule and thyroid cancer patients

Abstract

Introduction. There are reported associations between vitamin D deficiency and breast, prostate, and colon cancer, but the relationship in thyroid cancer has not been evaluated. Methods. We evaluated serum calcium, creatinine, albumin, and 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25-OH-D) in 42 thyroid nodule, 45 thyroid cancer in remission, and 24 active thyroid cancer patients. Results. 25-OH-D was not different between groups. The percent with 25-OH-D levels < 75nmol/L was not significantly different between groups and was not affected by season of measurement, age, or cancer stage. Multivariate regression showed a BMI of ≥30kg/m2 to be the only significant predictor of vitamin D deficiency. Conclusions. Rates of vitamin D deficiency are similar in thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer, although higher than the general population. This is different than previous studies for other cancers, which show higher rates of vitamin D deficiency. BMI was the only predictor of vitamin D deficiency. © 2010 Nathan Laney et al.