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A groundbreaking new study has revealed that 10% of South Asian immigrants aged 45 and older in Canada have hypothyroidism. The research, published in Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics Plus, found that after adjusting for sociodemographic factors and health behaviors, South Asian immigrants had 77% higher odds of hypothyroidism compared to their Canadian-born counterparts.
Key Findings and Expert Insights
“To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to identify a significantly higher odds of hypothyroidism among immigrants of South Asian descent,” said senior author Esme Fuller-Thomson, a professor at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work (FIFSW) and Director for the Institute of Life Course and Aging at the University of Toronto.
The study highlights the importance of increased screening for thyroid conditions in this demographic, as previous research has shown that immigrant populations in Canada may have lower thyroid screening rates. Untreated hypothyroidism can lead to serious health issues, including anemia, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and neurological dysfunction.
First author ZhiDi Deng, a medical student at the University of Alberta, emphasized the need for further investigation into the potential causes of this health disparity. “An important area for future studies is the possibility that disproportionate rates of hypothyroidism among South Asian immigrants may be related to an endemic lack of iodine in their countries of origin. Iodine deficiency is a known contributor to the development of hypothyroidism.”
The study did not have data on participants’ iodine levels, making it impossible to directly test this hypothesis. However, the findings suggest that dietary intake plays a role in the likelihood of developing hypothyroidism.
The Role of Diet and Age
Dietary factors were also examined, with the study revealing that individuals who consumed lower amounts of fat but had higher intakes of omega-3 fatty acids, fruits, vegetables, pulses, and nuts were significantly less likely to have hypothyroidism.
“These findings shed light on a potential benefit of non-pharmacological, nutrition-based interventions in the prevention or management of hypothyroidism,” said co-author Karen M. Davison, a nutritional epidemiologist. “However, additional research is needed to confirm these associations.”
Another significant factor influencing the prevalence of hypothyroidism was age. “Individuals over the age of 75 had double the prevalence of hypothyroidism compared to those aged 45–55,” explained co-author Andie MacNeil, a Ph.D. student at the University of Toronto’s FIFSW. Autoimmune thyroiditis, a common cause of hypothyroidism among older adults, may be responsible for this increased prevalence.
Implications for Healthcare
This study analyzed data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging, which included a sample of 26,036 Canadians aged 45–85 years, of whom 1,953 had hypothyroidism. The research underscores the importance of early detection and treatment, as symptoms of hypothyroidism—such as fatigue, weight gain, and depression—are often non-specific and may be overlooked, particularly in older adults.
“This research has identified some novel potential risk and preventative factors for hypothyroidism, opening avenues for future studies,” Fuller-Thomson concluded. “We hope that the results from this research will promote increased screening for thyroid conditions among older adults, particularly among those of South Asian descent.”
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Individuals concerned about thyroid health should consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance and screening recommendations.
