Exploring the relationship between vitamin D levels and body mass index in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract Background Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is frequently linked to obesity and insulin resistance, both of which can affect vitamin D metabolism. Although interest in the role of vitamin D in PCOS has increased, the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and vitamin D levels in these i...

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Main Authors: Ashraf Moini, Mohadese Dashtkoohi, Fedyeh Haghollahi, Amene Abiri, Nooshan Tajik
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-07-01
Series:BMC Nutrition
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s40795-025-01135-w
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author Ashraf Moini
Mohadese Dashtkoohi
Fedyeh Haghollahi
Amene Abiri
Nooshan Tajik
author_facet Ashraf Moini
Mohadese Dashtkoohi
Fedyeh Haghollahi
Amene Abiri
Nooshan Tajik
author_sort Ashraf Moini
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is frequently linked to obesity and insulin resistance, both of which can affect vitamin D metabolism. Although interest in the role of vitamin D in PCOS has increased, the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and vitamin D levels in these individuals remains uncertain. This study explores the connection between serum vitamin D levels and BMI in women with PCOS. Methods This study is a secondary analysis of a cross-sectional investigation carried out from March 2021 to December 2023, including 1004 women with PCOS diagnosed based on the Rotterdam criteria. Statistical methods involved using Spearman’s correlation coefficient to evaluate the association between BMI and vitamin D concentrations, with comparisons across BMI groups performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Results Our study found no significant overall correlation between BMI and vitamin D levels (Rho = 0.035, p = 0.261). The median vitamin D levels were 25 ng/mL (IQR 19–34) for normal BMI, 28 ng/mL (IQR 20–35) for overweight, and 24 ng/mL (IQR 19–35) for obese, with no significant differences across these groups (p = 0.109). However, elevated BMI was consistently associated with lower vitamin D levels in individuals with elevated metabolic parameters such as fasting blood sugar, low-density lipoprotein, and triglycerides. Conclusion These findings indicate that higher BMI is linked to lower vitamin D levels in individuals with elevated metabolic risk factors. However, the weak correlations suggest that BMI may not directly influence vitamin D levels.
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spelling doaj-art-df7680b705434f1d91a5a037b4e41bc82025-08-20T03:04:22ZengBMCBMC Nutrition2055-09282025-07-011111910.1186/s40795-025-01135-wExploring the relationship between vitamin D levels and body mass index in women with polycystic ovary syndromeAshraf Moini0Mohadese Dashtkoohi1Fedyeh Haghollahi2Amene Abiri3Nooshan Tajik4Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Endocrinology and Female Infertility Unit, Arash Women’s Hospital, Tehran University of Medical SciencesVali-E-Asr Reproductive Health Research Center, Family Health Research Institute, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical SciencesDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tehran University of Medical SciencesDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tehran University of Medical SciencesDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Arash Women’s Hospital, Tehran University of Medical SciencesAbstract Background Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is frequently linked to obesity and insulin resistance, both of which can affect vitamin D metabolism. Although interest in the role of vitamin D in PCOS has increased, the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and vitamin D levels in these individuals remains uncertain. This study explores the connection between serum vitamin D levels and BMI in women with PCOS. Methods This study is a secondary analysis of a cross-sectional investigation carried out from March 2021 to December 2023, including 1004 women with PCOS diagnosed based on the Rotterdam criteria. Statistical methods involved using Spearman’s correlation coefficient to evaluate the association between BMI and vitamin D concentrations, with comparisons across BMI groups performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Results Our study found no significant overall correlation between BMI and vitamin D levels (Rho = 0.035, p = 0.261). The median vitamin D levels were 25 ng/mL (IQR 19–34) for normal BMI, 28 ng/mL (IQR 20–35) for overweight, and 24 ng/mL (IQR 19–35) for obese, with no significant differences across these groups (p = 0.109). However, elevated BMI was consistently associated with lower vitamin D levels in individuals with elevated metabolic parameters such as fasting blood sugar, low-density lipoprotein, and triglycerides. Conclusion These findings indicate that higher BMI is linked to lower vitamin D levels in individuals with elevated metabolic risk factors. However, the weak correlations suggest that BMI may not directly influence vitamin D levels.https://doi.org/10.1186/s40795-025-01135-wPolycystic ovary syndromeVitamin DBody mass index
spellingShingle Ashraf Moini
Mohadese Dashtkoohi
Fedyeh Haghollahi
Amene Abiri
Nooshan Tajik
Exploring the relationship between vitamin D levels and body mass index in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
BMC Nutrition
Polycystic ovary syndrome
Vitamin D
Body mass index
title Exploring the relationship between vitamin D levels and body mass index in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
title_full Exploring the relationship between vitamin D levels and body mass index in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
title_fullStr Exploring the relationship between vitamin D levels and body mass index in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
title_full_unstemmed Exploring the relationship between vitamin D levels and body mass index in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
title_short Exploring the relationship between vitamin D levels and body mass index in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
title_sort exploring the relationship between vitamin d levels and body mass index in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
topic Polycystic ovary syndrome
Vitamin D
Body mass index
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s40795-025-01135-w
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