Effect of vitamin D supplementation on body composition, lipid profile, and glycemic indices in patients with obesity-associated metabolic syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background Vitamin D deficiency is common among individuals with obesity and metabolic disorders. Evidence on its effect on metabolic markers remains inconclusive. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the impact of vitamin D supplementation on lipid profile, glycemic c...

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Main Authors: Lili Ge, Shi Gao, Najaf Kia, Yanzhong Wang, Liqun Hua
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-07-01
Series:Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s13098-025-01799-1
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author Lili Ge
Shi Gao
Najaf Kia
Yanzhong Wang
Liqun Hua
author_facet Lili Ge
Shi Gao
Najaf Kia
Yanzhong Wang
Liqun Hua
author_sort Lili Ge
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background Vitamin D deficiency is common among individuals with obesity and metabolic disorders. Evidence on its effect on metabolic markers remains inconclusive. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the impact of vitamin D supplementation on lipid profile, glycemic control, and anthropometric indices. Methods A comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and China Knowledge Network was conducted from inception to May 2024. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating oral vitamin D supplementation in adults with overweight, obesity, or metabolic disorders were included. Weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random-effects model. Results Twenty-five RCTs (30 arms) were included. Overall, vitamin D supplementation did not significantly affect triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), HDL-C, LDL-C, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), insulin, HOMA-IR, HbA1c, waist circumference (WC), or body weight (p < 0.05). Subgroup analyses showed significant effects in certain populations, such as increased HDL-C in individuals with diabetes and elevated LDL-C in younger adults and males. A significant reduction in BMI was observed after adjusting for publication bias (p < 0.05). Heterogeneity varied across outcomes, and risk of bias was generally low, although some studies had unclear reporting. Conclusion Vitamin D supplementation has limited effects on metabolic and anthropometric markers in adults with obesity or related metabolic disorders. Certain subgroups may benefit, warranting further targeted research.
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institution Kabale University
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series Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome
spelling doaj-art-1613a242c68a4c1f85ec4029d1e921022025-08-20T04:03:07ZengBMCDiabetology & Metabolic Syndrome1758-59962025-07-0117112410.1186/s13098-025-01799-1Effect of vitamin D supplementation on body composition, lipid profile, and glycemic indices in patients with obesity-associated metabolic syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysisLili Ge0Shi Gao1Najaf Kia2Yanzhong Wang3Liqun Hua4Department of Nephrology, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical CollegeThe First Affiliated Hospital With Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical UniversityThe First Affiliated Hospital With Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical UniversityDepartment of Clinical Laboratory, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of MedicineCancer center, Department of Hematology, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical CollegeAbstract Background Vitamin D deficiency is common among individuals with obesity and metabolic disorders. Evidence on its effect on metabolic markers remains inconclusive. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the impact of vitamin D supplementation on lipid profile, glycemic control, and anthropometric indices. Methods A comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and China Knowledge Network was conducted from inception to May 2024. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating oral vitamin D supplementation in adults with overweight, obesity, or metabolic disorders were included. Weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random-effects model. Results Twenty-five RCTs (30 arms) were included. Overall, vitamin D supplementation did not significantly affect triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), HDL-C, LDL-C, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), insulin, HOMA-IR, HbA1c, waist circumference (WC), or body weight (p < 0.05). Subgroup analyses showed significant effects in certain populations, such as increased HDL-C in individuals with diabetes and elevated LDL-C in younger adults and males. A significant reduction in BMI was observed after adjusting for publication bias (p < 0.05). Heterogeneity varied across outcomes, and risk of bias was generally low, although some studies had unclear reporting. Conclusion Vitamin D supplementation has limited effects on metabolic and anthropometric markers in adults with obesity or related metabolic disorders. Certain subgroups may benefit, warranting further targeted research.https://doi.org/10.1186/s13098-025-01799-1Vitamin DObesityDyslipidemiasBlood glucoseBody Mass Index
spellingShingle Lili Ge
Shi Gao
Najaf Kia
Yanzhong Wang
Liqun Hua
Effect of vitamin D supplementation on body composition, lipid profile, and glycemic indices in patients with obesity-associated metabolic syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome
Vitamin D
Obesity
Dyslipidemias
Blood glucose
Body Mass Index
title Effect of vitamin D supplementation on body composition, lipid profile, and glycemic indices in patients with obesity-associated metabolic syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis
title_full Effect of vitamin D supplementation on body composition, lipid profile, and glycemic indices in patients with obesity-associated metabolic syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis
title_fullStr Effect of vitamin D supplementation on body composition, lipid profile, and glycemic indices in patients with obesity-associated metabolic syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis
title_full_unstemmed Effect of vitamin D supplementation on body composition, lipid profile, and glycemic indices in patients with obesity-associated metabolic syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis
title_short Effect of vitamin D supplementation on body composition, lipid profile, and glycemic indices in patients with obesity-associated metabolic syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis
title_sort effect of vitamin d supplementation on body composition lipid profile and glycemic indices in patients with obesity associated metabolic syndrome a systematic review and meta analysis
topic Vitamin D
Obesity
Dyslipidemias
Blood glucose
Body Mass Index
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s13098-025-01799-1
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