Prevalence of hyperthyroidism according to type of vegetarian diet

Abstract

Objective Vegetarian diets may be associated with low prevalence of autoimmune disease, as observed in rural sub-Saharan Africans. Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder, is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. We studied prevalence of hyperthyroidism according to dietary pattern in a population with a high proportion of vegetarians. Design Cross-sectional prevalence study. The association between diet and prevalence of hyperthyroidism was examined using multivariate logistic regression analyses controlling for sociodemographic characteristics and salt use. Setting The Adventist Health Study-2 conducted in the USA and Canada. Subjects Church members (n 65 981) provided demographic, dietary, lifestyle and medical history data by questionnaire. Results The prevalence of self-reported hyperthyroidism was 0·9 %. Male gender (OR=0·32; 95 % CI 0·26, 0·41) and moderate or high income (OR=0·67; 95 % CI 0·52, 0·88 and OR=0·73; 95 % CI 0·58, 0·91, respectively) protected against hyperthyroidism, while obesity and prevalent CVD were associated with increased risk (OR=1·25; 95 % CI 1·02, 1·54 and OR=1·92; 95 % CI 1·53, 2·42, respectively). Vegan, lacto-ovo and pesco vegetarian diets were associated with lower risk compared with omnivorous diets (OR=0·49; 95 % CI 0·33, OR=0·72, 0·65; 95 % CI 0·53, 0·81 and OR=0·74; 95 % CI 0·56, 1·00, respectively). Conclusions Exclusion of all animal foods was associated with half the prevalence of hyperthyroidism compared with omnivorous diets. Lacto-ovo and pesco vegetarian diets were associated with intermediate protection. Further study of potential mechanisms is warranted.

Dietary Factors Associated with Plasma Thyroid Peroxidase and Thyroglobulin Antibodies

“…The authors reported an association of vegan diet and lower risk of hypothyroidism [ 7 ]. The same group of authors also showed that vegan and vegetarian diets are associated with lower risk of hyperthyroidism [ 8 ]. The authors suggest a possible protective effect of polyphenols (such as flavonoids) against autoimmune processes, but a detailed explanation on the molecular level is not provided.…”

“…However, there are no comprehensive studies investigating dietary habits and their influence on AITD to date. Only two studies analysed the prevalence of self-reported hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism in relation to dietary habits, and found a protective effect of vegan diet from hypothyroidism, and both vegan and vegetarian diets from hyperthyroidism [ 7 , 8 ].…”

Atrial fibrillation risk factor management with a plant‐based diet: A review

“…Within the last decades, plant‐based nutrition has experienced increased interest in the medical community. Plant‐based diets may reduce the likelihood of many traditional risk factors that are associated with AF, including hypertension, hyperthyroidism, obesity, and diabetes . Moreover, plant‐based nutrition may also positively affect emerging risk factors, such as inflammation or subclinical atherosclerosis.…”

“…Plant-based diets may reduce the likelihood of many traditional risk factors that are associated with AF, including hypertension, hyperthyroidism, obesity, and diabetes. 34 Moreover, plant-based nutrition may also positively affect emerging risk factors, such as inflammation or subclinical atherosclerosis. Current evidence supporting these statements is present below and in Table 1.…”

The thyroid, the eyes and the gut: a possible connection

“…Interestingly, a recent paper showed a low risk of hyperthyroidism in people following a vegan, lacto-ovo and pesco vegetarian diets compared with omnivores [70].…”