The effect of vitamin D supplementation on markers of insulin resistance in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome: a systematic review.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to determine whether vitamin D supplementation (≥ 1000 IU/day) improves markers of insulin resistance and glycemic control in women with PCOS.
Results Summary
Most studies did not report statistically significant improvements in fasting glucose, fasting insulin, HbA1c, or HOMA-IR, though a minority showed some significant reductions in these markers.
Population
Women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), aged 22-30 years.
Effective Dosage
1714-12,000 IU daily.
Duration
Not specified in the abstract.
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
vitamin D supplementation (≥ 1000 IU/day) | decrease | fasting glucose | women with PCOS | - | statistically significant reductions | #1 |
vitamin D supplementation (≥ 1000 IU/day) | decrease | fasting insulin | women with PCOS | - | reductions | #2 |
vitamin D supplementation (≥ 1000 IU/day) | decrease | HOMA-IR | women with PCOS | - | reductions | #3 |
vitamin D supplementation (≥ 1000 IU/day) | no change | HbA1c | women with PCOS | - | no reductions | #4 |
vitamin D supplementation (≥ 1000 IU/day) | no change | fasting glucose, fasting insulin, HbA1c or HOMA-IR | women with PCOS | - | no differences | #5 |
vitamin D supplementation (≥ 1000 IU/day) | no change | fasting glucose, fasting insulin, HbA1c or HOMA-IR | women with PCOS | - | do not report statistically significant improvements | #6 |
BACKGROUND: Insulin resistance (IR) is a common pathology in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) involved in increased rates of cardiometabolic disease such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Low serum vitamin D is often associated with insulin resistance but there is no consensus on whether vitamin D supplementation can ameliorate markers of IR in PCOS. OBJECTIVES: We assessed evidence on the effects of vitamin D supplementation (≥ 1000 IU/day), without the use of additional supplements or other pharmacological treatments known to affect IR, on markers of IR and glycemic control in women with PCOS. DESIGN: A systematic search was conducted using PubMed, Medline and Web of Science databases from January 2000 up to November 2023. Randomized controlled trials that assessed the effects of vitamin D supplementation in women with PCOS, on fasting glucose, fasting insulin, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) or homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were included. RESULTS: 9 studies were identified. Study populations ranged from 28 to 180 participants, with mean ages ranging from 22 to 30 years. Daily vitamin D doses ranged from 1714-12,000 IU. Of the included studies, 3 reported statistically significant reductions in fasting glucose, 2 reported reductions in fasting insulin, 2 reported reductions in HOMA-IR, none reported reductions in HbA1c and 5 reported no differences in any of the relevant outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, in RCTs of vitamin D supplementation in women with PCOS, the majority of studies do not report statistically significant improvements in fasting glucose, fasting insulin, HbA1c or HOMA-IR. However, as a minority of studies report some statistically significant results, further investigation may be warranted. REGISTRY: PROSPERO ID: CRD42023486144.