Association Between Vitamin D Deficiency and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in the MENA Population: A Systematic...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Endocrinology
• Cardiovascular Medicine

Background:

• The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region exhibits a high burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
• Endemic serum 25(OH)D (vitamin D) deficiency is prevalent across the MENA region.
• This review investigates the association between vitamin D deficiency and CVD risk factors in MENA populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and analyze the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and cardiovascular disease risk factors in adults residing in the MENA region.
• To quantify the association between vitamin D deficiency and key metabolic parameters including cholesterol, BMI, and HbA1c through meta-analysis.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Scopus up to October 18, 2024.
• Included were observational studies from the MENA region assessing vitamin D deficiency and cardiovascular risk factors in adults.
• Random-effects meta-analysis was employed to calculate weighted mean differences for cholesterol, BMI, and HbA1c.

Main Results:

• Seventeen studies from nine MENA countries were included, primarily cross-sectional designs.
• Vitamin D deficiency was highly prevalent and consistently associated with increased adiposity and central obesity.
• Meta-analysis revealed significantly higher total cholesterol (MD = 0.32), BMI (MD = 1.81), and HbA1c (MD = 0.31) in vitamin D deficient individuals, with significant heterogeneity.

Conclusions:

• Vitamin D deficiency is a widespread issue in the MENA region, strongly linked to adiposity-related CVD risk factors.
• Findings highlight the need for public health initiatives and further research to elucidate causal links and develop effective interventions.
• The observed heterogeneity necessitates careful consideration in the development of population-specific strategies.