Background: Thyroid hormone is an important hormone regulating basal metabolism, playing a critical role in thermogenesis and physiological mechanisms, such as normal growth and development and neuropsychological functioning. A relationship is also known to exist between the endocrine and immune system, wherein thyroid hormone play a role in inflammatory response. The thyroid hormone is influenced by multiple factors such as circadian rhythm, age, geographical condition which leads to wide physiological variation in their levels. The concept of Prakriti, Ayurvedic constitutional types based on theory of Tridosha viz Vata, Pitta and Kapha, are the fundamental and important concept of Ayurveda required for understandin of human physiology in a personalized manner.
Objective: To evaluate the relationship between thyroid hormonal level and anthropometric profile of healthy infant with their Prakriti.
Materials and method: This study was conducted among 70 infants. Studied population was divided into groups based on body constitution (Prakriti). Venous sample has been obtained from peripheral vein between 72-120 hours of life and was sent for T4 and TSH level estimation. The anthropometry was taken at 0,6 and 12 weeks after birth.
Results: Wide ranged values in thyroid hormones level were observed in newborn.Difference in mean T4 and TSH was noted in different Prakriti infants. Significant difference was found in anthropometric parameters where Kaphaja prakriti infants had greater growth velocity followed by Kapha pittaja prakriti whereas Vataja prakriti infants had shown lowest changes (gain) during the subsequent follow. No positive significant correlation of T4 and TSH with body constitutional types was observed.
Conclusion: In spite of variation in mean values of thyroid hormone as per Prakriti, no significant correlation was seen on intergroup comparison (one way ANOVA). The body framework of normal newborns are influenced by constitutional factor.However, a study on larger samples size in infants & children is required to make the final conclusion