Determination of serum zinc and phosphorus levels in patients with hypothyroidism

Abstract

Background Various studies reported that serum zinc (Zn) and phosphorus (P) levels altered in patients with hypothyroidism and vice versa, but results were found inconsistent. Aim It was aimed to find the association between serum Zn and P in patients with hypothyroidism. Material and Method In this case-control study, a total of 100 subjects (50 newly diagnosed patients of hypothyroidism and 50 controls) were enrolled aged between 25 and 60 years. Biochemical parameters such as thyroid profile, serum Zn, and P were estimated in each subject. A p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Result The mean level of body mass index (BMI), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and serum P was found significantly elevated in cases compared to controls (p < 0.001). However, the mean level of triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), and serum Zn was found significantly reduced in cases compared to controls (p < 0.001). The serum Zn has shown a significant negative correlation with T3 and BMI among cases (r= -0.313 p < 0.05, r= -0.338 p < 0.05, respectively). However, Serum P has shown a significant positive correlation with TSH and BMI among cases (r = 0.310 p < 0.05, r = 0.449 p < 0.01, respectively). Regression analysis indicated that serum Zn significantly predicted hypothyroidism (p < 0.00). Similarly, Serum P significantly predicted hypothyroidism (p < 0.007). Conclusion Results showed that serum Zn levels were significantly reduced and serum P levels were significantly elevated in cases compared to controls. The serum Zn and serum P both may act as predictors for hypothyroidism and its complications.