Association between bedtime snacking and subclinical hypothyroidism

TL;DR

The study found that bedtime snacking is linked to subclinical hypothyroidism, possibly due to increased demand for endothelial repair.

Contribution

This study is the first to establish a link between bedtime snacking and subclinical hypothyroidism through endothelial repair mechanisms.

Findings

Bedtime snacking was associated with a 1.93-fold increased odds of subclinical hypothyroidism after adjusting for multiple factors.

The association remained significant even after controlling for conditions like CKD, hypertension, and diabetes.

The study suggests that bedtime snacking may increase physiological demand for endothelial repair, contributing to thyroid dysfunction.

Abstract

Thyroid hormones support endothelial repair, whereas bedtime snacking is linked to a higher risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Since endothelial dysfunction is a core feature of CKD, bedtime snacking could potentially contribute to subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) by elevating the demand for endothelial repair. This study aimed to explore the association between bedtime snacking and SCH.

In this cross-sectional study, 1,478 Japanese individuals aged 40–69 years with normal thyroid function were enrolled; normal thyroid function was defined as free triiodothyronine (T3) and free thyroxine (T4) levels within the reference ranges and the absence of thyroid-related medication use. Individuals with elevated serum concentrations of TSH (>4.01 µIU/mL) were defined as having SCH. Bedtime snacking was determined in the basis of participants’ affirmation to the question “Do you consume a night meal or snack after dinner, within two hours of bedtime, three or more times per week? (Yes, No)”.

In the study population, 263 individuals reported a bedtime snacking habit, whereas SCH was identified in 81 individuals. A statistically significant association was found between bedtime snacking and SCH. The sex- and age-adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were 1.77 (1.05, 2.99). This association remained significant after additional adjustment for skipping breakfast and late dinner; 1.83 (1.07, 3.11), and further adjustment for free T4, atherosclerosis, hypertension, diabetes, CKD, and thyroid cysts; 1.93 (1.11, 3.35), respectively.

Bedtime snacking is positively associated with SCH, potentially due to an increased physiological demand for endothelial repair. This finding is not only an efficient tool for diagnosing the early stages of endothelial and thyroid dysfunction, but also for clarifying the mechanism underlying the regulation of thyroid hormones related to endothelial health.

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