Study of minerals levels in hypothyroidism

Introduction: Recently, the disorders of thyroid function particularly hypothyroidism is receiving greater attention as an important cause of disturbance in mineral metabolism by their direct action on bone turnover. Calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium are necessary for various crucial metabolic pathways directly or indirectly regulated by thyroid hormones. Studies on hypothyroid subjects have shown contradictive findings Hence, this study was undertaken to evaluate alteration in mineral status by estimating serum calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium in patients having hypothyroidism and to observe the importance to check the levels of these minerals in subclinical hypothyroid disorders. Materials and Methods: In this study 50 known hypothyroid patients on analysis with serum T3, T4 and TSH were included as cases and 50 clinically healthy volunteers included in the control group in age group between 18 and 75 years. Thyroid hormones were measured by Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay method and Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus measured on autoanalyzer. Results: Our study demonstrated normal T3 and T4 level and increased level of TSH in cases suggesting subclinical hypothyroidism. In this study patients show normal serum total calcium, and increased total magnesium and serum phosphorous levels as compared to healthy control that is there is alteration in mineral levels. Conclusion: As this study shows alteration in minerals levels monitoring of serum levels of these minerals will be helpful in hypothyroid patients. Alteration in these minerals needs to be monitored periodically and proper treatment should be given to the patient. Keywords : Hypothyroidism, Mineral, Monitoring, Subclinical.