The association between hypovitaminosis D and metabolic syndrome: current understanding

Abstract

The metabolic syndrome and its components have been associated with hypovitaminosis D in many observational trials. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain this relationship and include most conditions that are present in patients with the metabolic syndrome. A causal relationship of the association between the metabolic syndrome and hypovitaminosis D, however, has not been demonstrated, and the cardiovascular and metabolic benefits of vitamin D supplementation have not been confirmed. For the time being therefore, supplementation with vitamin D should only be recommended to maintain bone health and to avoid falls.

Keywords:

• cardiovascular disease
• diabetes
• dyslipidemia
• hypertension
• insulin resistance
• metabolic syndrome
• vitamin D