Relationships between Subclinical Hypothyroidism and Metabolic Syndrome and Vitamin D Status in Korean Adults: Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013-2015

ABSTRACT

Background@#Many studies have established the association between overt hypothyroidism and metabolic syndrome (MS). However, the relationship between subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) and MS varies from study to study. This study aimed to investigate associations between SCH and components of MS and vitamin D status in Korean adults. @*Methods@#Using data from the 6th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2013-2015), chi-squared tests and t-tests were used to explore relationships between thyroid hormones and components of MS and vitamin D status. Multiple regression analysis was undertaken to assess relationships between SCH and components of MS and vitamin D. @*Results@#Systolic blood pressure and fasting glucose were significantly higher in the euthyroid (EUT) group than in the SCH group, and vitamin D status was significantly lower in the SCH group than EUT. However, in multiple regression analysis, SCH presented no significant association with components of MS or vitamin D status even after adjusting for age, sex, drinking, and smoking. @*Conclusions@#In Korean adults, there is no significant association between SCH and MS or vitamin D.