Plasma Concentrations of Fat-soluble Vitamins in Metabolic Syndrome Subjects

Abstract

Objectives: Several studies have related deficient plasma levels of fat-soluble vitamins to increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome and suggested that optimal levels may reduce the risk and progression of metabolic syndrome. This study was designed to assess the plasma concentrations of vitamins A, D and E in Nigerians with metabolic syndrome. Materials and Methods: One hundred metabolic syndrome subjects were recruited into the study; 55% of them had type 2 diabetes. One hundred controls were age- and sex-matched. Blood pressure, body mass index, waist circumference, concentrations of plasma glucose, lipid profile, vitamins A, D and E were estimated. Results: The mean plasma vitamin E of metabolic syndrome subjects was significantly lower than that of controls (p=0.0001) and also lower in subjects with diabetes than in those without diabetes (p=0.006). The mean plasma vitamins A and D of subjects were similar to that of controls (p=0.231 and 0.391 respectively) and also similar in subjects with and without diabetes (p=0.134 and 0.061 respectively). Mean values of vitamins A, D and E in subjects and vitamins A and D in controls were suboptimal. Conclusion: Plasma vitamin E was lower in subjects with metabolic syndrome than in controls, and vitamins A and D were similar but suboptimal in both groups. This may be due to inadequate vitamin intake, increased oxidative stress and inflammation among other factors.