Vitamin D Status and Cardio-Metabolic Risk in Indian Postmenopausal Women

The prevalence of chronic and non-communicable health disorders like cardiovascular diseases and metabolic syndrome is increasing worldwide including in India. The various risk factors for these health issues need to be addressed. The role of vitamin D deficiency in the causation of all these abnormal health conditions among postmenopausal women is a matter of debate now-a-days.

To determine the correlation of serum vitamin D levels with various cardio-metabolic risk factors and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in postmenopausal women (PMW).

Total of 64 PMW were included in this cross-sectional study. Clinical (waist circumference, body mass index, blood pressure) and biochemical (fasting plasma glucose, lipid profile and serum 25-hydroxyl vitamin D levels) parameters were measured. MetS was defined using modified National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP-III) guidelines. Serum 25-hydroxyl vitamin D levels <50 nmol/l, between 52.5-72.5 nmol/l and >75 nmol/l were classified as deficient, insufficient and sufficient, respectively.

MetS was prevalent in 33 (52%) subjects. There were no differences in serum vitamin D levels or proportion of vitamin D deficient individuals in those with and without MetS. 33 women (52%) had vitamin D deficiency. Cardio-metabolic risk profile was similar in both vitamin D deficient and replete women.

Despite a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and MetS in Indian PMW, serum vitamin D concentrations do not correlate with the cardio-metabolic risk factors or MetS.