Correlation of Zinc and Magnesium with Thyroid Dysfunction

Abstract

Introduction: Thyroid diseases rank as the second most common endocrine disorder worldwide, after diabetes mellitus. Thyroid hormones are essential for growth, neuron development, reproduction, and energy metabolism, influencing the metabolism of all substances, including minerals. Numerous studies have shown that thyroid issues often disrupt mineral metabolism. This study aims to measure serum zinc and magnesium levels in individuals with hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism and to correlate these levels with serum Triiodothyronine (T3), Thyroxine (T4), Free T3 (FT3), Free T4 (FT4), and Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH). Methods: The study included twenty individuals with hypothyroidism, twenty with hyperthyroidism, and twenty with normal thyroid function as controls. Blood samples were collected to measure serum T3, T4, FT3, FT4, and TSH using the autoanalyzer method (minividas), while serum zinc and magnesium levels were measured using spectrophotometry. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 25 software, employing independent sample t-tests for means and standard deviations, with a significance level of 0.05 (P value). Pearson correlation was used to determine the relationships between the markers. Results:  The results showed that serum zinc and magnesium levels were significantly lower (p<0.001) in individuals with hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism compared to controls. There was a notable positive correlation between zinc and magnesium levels and thyroid hormones T3 and T4. In hypothyroidism, a negative correlation with serum TSH levels was observed. In hyperthyroidism, zinc and magnesium levels negatively correlated with T3 and T4 but positively correlated with TSH. No significant correlation was found between serum zinc and magnesium levels and FT3 and FT4 levels. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that mineral metabolism is altered in thyroid dysfunction, and dysregulated zinc and magnesium metabolism can lead to various metabolic diseases. Early preventive measures, such as mineral supplementation or hormone replacement therapy, may help manage these secondary conditions.