Clinical Report: Assessment of Serum Vitamin D in Non-Obese Women with PCOS

Overview

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated serum vitamin D levels in non-obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The findings indicate no significant differences in vitamin D concentrations between non-obese PCOS patients and healthy controls, suggesting that vitamin D deficiency may be more closely related to obesity than to PCOS itself.

Background

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder affecting a significant portion of women globally, often associated with metabolic complications such as insulin resistance. Vitamin D is known to play a role in metabolic health and reproductive function, yet its specific impact on non-obese women with PCOS remains unclear. Understanding the relationship between vitamin D levels and PCOS is crucial for developing targeted interventions.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• No significant differences in serum 25(OH)D or 1,25(OH)2D levels between non-obese PCOS patients and controls.
• Heterogeneity in results attributed to factors such as region, diagnostic criteria, BMI, and assay methods.
• Significant publication bias detected in the included studies.
• Vitamin D deficiency may be driven by obesity rather than PCOS pathogenesis.
• Further prospective studies are needed to clarify the role of vitamin D in non-obese PCOS.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should consider that vitamin D levels in non-obese women with PCOS may not differ significantly from those in healthy controls. This suggests that routine vitamin D supplementation may not be warranted for non-obese PCOS patients, and focus should be directed towards managing obesity-related metabolic issues.

Conclusion

The findings indicate that serum vitamin D concentrations are not significantly associated with non-obese PCOS, highlighting the need for further research to explore the implications of vitamin D in this population.

Related Resources & Content

1. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 2026 -- Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D is associated with islet function in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes and osteoporosis
2. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2023 -- Cytokine Profiling Across Diverse Populations Indicates Immune Dysregulation Rather Than Chronic Inflammation in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
3. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 2026 -- Influence of vitamin D supplementation on ovarian reserve as reflected by anti-Müllerian hormone levels: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
4. Recommendations from the 2023 International Evidence-based Guideline for the Assessment and Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - PMC
5. Vitamin D supplementation before in vitro fertilisation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: multicentre, double blind, placebo controlled, randomised clinical trial - PMC
6. conexiant — Retinal Changes Linked to PCOS
7. Recommendations from the 2023 International Evidence-based Guideline for the Assessment and Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - PMC
8. Vitamin D supplementation before in vitro fertilisation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: multicentre, double blind, placebo controlled, randomised clinical trial - PMC
9. A meta-analysis of the effects of vitamin D supplementation on endocrine metabolic and inflammatory markers in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome - PubMed