The role of vitamins in the prevention and treatment of thyroid disorders.

Although vitamin deficiencies are uncommon in Poland or other developed countries, many patients take vitamin supplements. Despite the widespread availability of vitamins and the universal belief that vitamins offer health benefits, few publications have addressed their role in the prevention and treatment of thyroid diseases. There is some evidence to suggest that the administration of vitamins with anti-oxidant properties in patients with hyperthyroidism can decrease the severity of clinical symptoms, and that vitamin D supplementation can have a beneficial effect on the bone system for these patients. It has also been suggested that patients with autoimmune thyroid diseases should be periodically screened for vitamin B12 deficiency. There has been no data to support vitamin supplementation in the primary or secondary prevention of thyroid malignancies.