Modest reversal of metabolic syndrome manifestations with vitamin D status correction: a 12-month prospective study

Al–Daghri NM et al. – Optimization of vitamin D status through sun exposure and increased intake of a vitamin D–rich diet can lead to an improved cardiometabolic profile, offering a promising nonpharmacologic approach in the prevention of metabolic syndrome (MetS) manifestations.

Methods

• A total of 59 adult nondiabetic, overweight, and obese Saudis (31 male, 28 female) were prospectively enrolled in this 1–year interventional study.
• Anthropometry and biochemical evaluation were performed, including determination of serum 25–hydroxyvitamin D, calcium, and phosphorous concentrations, as well as fasting blood glucose and lipid profile.
• Subjects were advised to regularly expose themselves to sunlight and increase intake of vitamin D–rich foods.
• All measurements were repeated 6 and 12 months later.

Results

• At the initial baseline visit, the prevalence of both low high–density lipoprotein cholesterol and hypertension was significantly increased among patients with 25–vitamin D deficiency (P<.05), even after adjusting for sex and body mass index.
• Overall prevalence of MetS patients by the modified National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Adult Treatment Panel III definition decreased from 25.2% to 13.0%; and this was largely due to a parallel decrease in the prevalence of low high–density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and hypertension.

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