A Comparative Study of 25 (OH) Vitamin D Serum Levels in Patients with metabolic syndrome and healthy individuals

Background: The incidence of metabolic syndrome has been rising in the Iran population. In parallel, vitamin D deficiency has also been increasing in Iran. This study aims to explore the association of vitamin D serum concentrations with metabolic syndrome and its components in the Iranian population.  Materials and Methods: A case-control study was managed. We enrolled 110 metabolic syndrome patients, according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) criteria as a case group and 130 healthy individuals as a control group. The serum level of 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25 (OH)D), lipid profile, and fasting blood glucose(FBS) status were determined using a commercially available ELISA method. Enzymatic methods determined total cholesterol (Chol), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglyceride (TG) levels.  Results: In case group, the prevalence rate of 25 (OH)D deficiency ( 30 ng/mL) was 19.0%. A non-significant association between Chol level and age was noted (p=0.46, p=0.124). The levels of FBS and TG were significantly higher, and the levels of 25 (OH)D, LDL, and HDL were significantly lower in the case of the group compared to the control group. Conclusion: We found that the serum level of 25 (OH)D in patients with metabolic syndrome is lower than in the healthy group, and a low level of 25 (OH)D is related to increased risk of metabolic syndrome and its components.