INTERRELATIONS BETWEEN THYROID FUNCTION AND VITAMIN METABOLISM

Abstract

Studies both clinical and experimental, made during the past 15 yrs., contribute to this review. Vits. A, B, C, D, and E are considered. With A, B, C, and D, various combinations of deficient and sufficient adm., with hyper- and normal thyroid function and thyroid feeding have been worked out. While some vit. deficiencies produce hypo-, or hyper-, function in the thyroid gland, overdoses of the same vit. do not always produce the opposite effect. Sex, the activity of the pituitary gland, and the duration of the exptl. diet often influence results. Speaking broadly, "it has been demonstrated that the requirements for vits. A, B, and C are increased during hyperthyroidism, and if these increased requirements are not met a relative deficiency of the vits. will ensue. Such a vit. deficiency may produce changes previously ascribed to an effect of hyperthyroidism per se. Whereas the adm. of the necessary vits. will correct these changes, it should not imply an antithyrogenic action, unless such an effect is demonstrated by further expts." Beyond this general statement, the details fall into no simple pattern.