Abstract

Dr. B.V.S. Lakshmi*, M. Akshitha, B. Prem Jyoti, P. Srikanth, Peggy hazel, U. Kishan and M. Sudhakar

ABSTRACT

In hypothyroidism, large doses of levothyroxine are required to achieve therapeutic endpoint, preliminary observations indicated that hypoacidic gastric environment is associated with reduction in levothyroxine bioavailability and co-administration of vitamin C might enhance absorption. Pathological consequences of hypothyroidism point to high potential for antioxidant imbalance. We therefore assessed effect of vitamin C supplementation with Levothyroxine replacement therapy on thyroid status and oxidative stress in hypothyroid patients. The study population consisted of 80 subjects divided into 4 groups. 20 patients into Normal untreated Healthy Subjects, 20 patients into untreated hypothyroid patients, 20 patients into hypothyroid Patients treated only with Levothyroxine and 20 patients with Levothyroxine+ Vitamin C 1000mg. This study examined the levels of some enzymatic antioxidant status. The antioxidant status was significantly lower in hypothyroid patients than in healthy group. After 12weeks of supplementation of vitamin C with levothyroxine replacement therapy there was significant elevation of catalase, GR activities and decrease in MDA, GPx and GSH levels in treated groups. It can be concluded form the above study that Supplementation with Vitamin C decreases the oxidative stress and increases antioxidant status in hypothyroid patients. Hence the Antioxidant therapy and antioxidant diet should be advised along with thyroid hormone replacement therapy to diminish further complications.