Exploring the Link Between Vitamin B Levels and Metabolic Syndrome Risk: Insights from a Case-Control Study in...

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Nutritional Science
• Mitochondrial Biology

Background:

• Metabolic syndrome (MS) affects 20-30% of adults globally, characterized by insulin resistance, obesity, dyslipidemia, and hypertension.
• Mitochondrial dysfunction, including mtDNA mutations and altered dynamics, is a key factor in MS pathogenesis, impairing glucose oxidation.
• B vitamins are essential for mitochondrial function and metabolic health, particularly relevant in the context of MS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between plasma B vitamin concentrations and the risk of developing metabolic syndrome.
• To analyze B vitamin status in the Kazakh population concerning metabolic syndrome prevalence.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study involving 190 Kazakh adults (35-65 years old) with (n=104) and without (n=86) MS.
• Biochemical measurements included serum fasting glucose, HbA1c, creatinine, lipid profiles, and plasma B vitamin levels.
• Data collected between December 2022 and March 2024 at Semey polyclinic.

Main Results:

• Most participants had low levels of vitamins B3 (95.77%) and B6 (76.02%).
• Vitamin B2 levels were at the lower limit of normal in 95% of participants, with 4.59% low.
• Elevated vitamin B2 at the lower limit of normal range was significantly associated with an increased risk of MS (OR=1.79, 95% CI 1.003-3.19, p=0.05).

Conclusions:

• Vitamin B2, even at the lower end of the normal range, is associated with a significantly higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome.
• These findings underscore the importance of B vitamin status in metabolic health and MS prevention.
• Further research into optimal B vitamin levels for MS prevention in diverse populations is warranted.