Vitamin D Deficiency as a Risk Factor for Metabolic Syndrome: Insights from a Case-Control Study

Hussien Elaswdi; Rasha Elbbakush; Muftah Elbahloul; Ayman Mustafa; Abdalla Elgenaidi; Siraj Hamad

doi:10.26719/LJMR.18.2.11

Authors

Hussien A. Elaswdi 1. Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Misurata University Author
Rasha M. Elbbakush 1. Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Misurata University Author
Muftah Abdulssalam Elbahloul 1. Research and scientific consultation department, faculty of medicine, Misurata University Author
Ayman B. Mustafa 1. Department of Therapeutical Nutrition, Faculty of Health Sciences, Misurata University Author
Abdalla R. Elgenaidi 1. Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Misurata University Author
Siraj S. Hamad 1. Department of Clinical Nutrition, Misurata Medical Center Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26719/LJMR.18.2.11

Keywords:

Vitamin D deficiency, metabolic syndrome, women's health, insulin resistance, high-density lipoprotein, triglyceride

Abstract

Background: Vitamin D deficiency disproportionately affects women, posing significant health concerns because of its pivotal role in bone and tooth health and immunity as well as its potential protective effects against certain cancers. Aim: This study investigates the disproportionate impact of vitamin D deficiency on women's health, with a specific focus on metabolic syndrome. Methods: This case-control study examines the correlation between vitamin D levels and various metabolic parameters such as waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting glucose, and lipid profiles. Blood samples were collected to measure serum vitamin D levels, and participants were assessed for components of metabolic syndrome conducted at Misurata Medical Center. A sample of 132 participants aged 18-60 years, including 71 individuals diagnosed with metabolic syndrome and 61 healthy controls with adequate vitamin D levels was used in this study. Results: The study found that 69.01% of women with metabolic syndrome exhibited severe vitamin D deficiency, while 22.53% showed insufficient levels. A significant negative correlation (r = -0.871^**, p < 0.01) was observed between vitamin D deficiency and insulin resistance. Moreover, a positive association (r = 0.796^**, p < 0.014) was detected between vitamin D deficiency and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, while a negative correlation (r = -769^**, p < 0.017) was found with triglycerides and FBS (r = -0.274^**, p < 0.018). Among the healthy controls, only 6.81% exhibited metabolic syndrome indicators. Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency significantly increased metabolic syndrome indicators in the group with the condition, while these indicators remained stable in the control group. This highlights the association between low vitamin D levels and the development of metabolic syndrome. Most participants had severe deficiency, which negatively correlated with insulin resistance and weight, and positively with HDL levels. This emphasizes the need for targeted interventions to address vitamin D deficiency, particularly among women at risk of metabolic syndrome.

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