Dietary patterns in patients with auto- immune thyroid diseases
General Medicine, 2025, 27(3), 10-14.
B. Levterova1, D. Tomov2, D. Troev3, V. Mihaylova4, Z. Tomova5, M. Orbetsova6
1 Department of Health Management and Health Economics, Faculty of Public Health, Medical University ‒ Plovdiv
2 Research Institute, Medical University ‒ Plovdiv
3 Clinic of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, UMHAT “Sv. Georgi”, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University ‒ Plovdiv
4 Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University ‒ Plovdiv
5 Department of Prosthetic Dental Medicine, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Medical University ‒ Plovdiv
6 Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University ‒ Plovdiv
Abstract. Diet and nutrition have been established as some of the most important factors in promoting and maintaining good health throughout life. Dietary factors are determinants of various metabolic diseases. General practitioners play a crucial role in providing recommendations for healthy eating and physical activity and in disease prevention. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is one of the most common chronic autoimmune thyroid diseases. Studies have demonstrated the important role of nutritional micronutrients and dietary habits, which influence the thyroid function. The present study aimed to investigate the dietary patterns of patients with autoimmune thyroid diseases compared to healthy controls. The study showed significant differences in dietary habits between the two groups. Patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis more often consumed animal products (red meat, p = 0.05; fish, p = 0.000; dairy products, p = 0.479). Healthy individuals reported more frequent use of plant foods, such as fresh fruits (p = 0.000) and vegetables (p = 0.001). In conclusion, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, as well as white meats, may have a protective effect on the development of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Collaboration between general practitioners, endocrinologists, dietitians, and other specialists is essential for the comprehensive care of patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and the prevention of complications, including metabolic disorders.
Key words: dietary patterns, autoimmune diseases, thyroid glands, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis