Association of vitamin D deficiency with metabolic factors in a cohort of Saudi women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) ranks among the most prevalent endocrine disorders in premenopausal women and refers to a spectrum that includes hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance (IR), and obesity. This study explored the association between vitamin D deficiency and metabolic and endocrine disorders in Saudi women with PCOS. Methods: A total of 163 women (80 cases with PCOS and 83 controls) were recruited, and their serum 25(OH)D and metabolic parameters were assessed. A serum 25(OH)D level under 12 ng/ml was used to classify a participant as vitamin D deficient. The variation in vitamin D levels of the PCOS and control groups was the primary outcome measure. Additional outcomes analyzed were associations between serum 25(OH)D values and metabolic abnormalities in cases of PCOS. Results: The PCOS group had serum 25(OH)D values that were significantly less than those of healthy women in the control group (P<0.01). Vitamin D deficiency was seen in a significantly higher proportion of patients with PCOS than those without (P<0.01); however, this difference was not seen for vitamin D insufficiency status. A significant negative correlation was recorded between serum 25(OH)D values and the metabolic parameters assessed, namely, body mass index (BMI), fasting insulin, fasting glucose, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, luteinizing hormone, and testosterone (P<0.05). Elevated BMI and HOMA-IR were regarded as risk factors of vitamin D deficiency in Saudi women with PCOS. Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency is widespread in Saudi women with PCOS in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with an even higher prevalence in women who are obese and insulin resistant. Low serum 25(OH)D was linked to metabolic disturbances in women with PCOS. Randomized control trials involving large sample sizes held in various locations are warranted to understand how vitamin D supplementation could affect metabolic health in women with PCOS.